compare

Definition of comparenext
1
as in to equate
to describe as similar reviews that compared the adventure movie to a thrilling ride on a roller coaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to identify
to regard or represent as equal or comparable compared the restaurant's food to the nectar of the gods

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word compare distinct from other similar verbs?

The words collate and contrast are common synonyms of compare. While all three words mean "to set side by side in order to show differences and likenesses," compare implies an aim of showing relative values or excellences by bringing out characteristic qualities whether similar or divergent.

compared the convention facilities of the two cities

In what contexts can collate take the place of compare?

The meanings of collate and compare largely overlap; however, collate implies minute and critical inspection in order to note points of agreement or divergence.

data from districts around the country will be collated

When might contrast be a better fit than compare?

While the synonyms contrast and compare are close in meaning, contrast implies an emphasis on differences.

contrasted the computerized system with the old filing cards

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of compare If your community is already comparing you to a competitor, lean in with humor, not hostility. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 Across California, 1,521 fires had burned 48,135 acres as of Wednesday, compared with a five-year average of 2,163 fires burning 23,867 acres at this point — significantly fewer fires but more area burned, Acuña pointed out. Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026 In perhaps his most inflammatory remarks, Petro compared Milei to Adolf Hitler and Paz to Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 20 May 2026 And Floridians owe $62,500 per capita, up 2% over the past year, compared with a 5% growth rate over the past six years. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • No, Hantavirus Is Not COVID-26 Speaking of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of social media posts have been trying to somehow equate hantaviruses to COVID-19.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy equated Brown’s role this season to a fork in the road, though not in a do-this-or-things-won’t-go-well way.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Speaking from the Cuyahoga County Corrections Center in Ohio, Shirilla and the other person, who's not identified, talk about media coverage of the case.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 23 May 2026
  • Authorities identified two of the people who died as Micah Rascon, 51, and Georgia Rascon, 49.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper warns that a massive fish kill stretching at least 20 miles has occurred on the Chattahoochee River near the city of Atlanta, likely connected to heavy rains that caused flooding this week.
    Drew Kann, AJC.com, 23 May 2026
  • Caltrans has also been building a bike and pedestrian path alongside the northbound span to connect the American River Parkway with Sacramento city trails.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • It's advised for those with respiratory or heart-related issues to limit outdoor activity this afternoon.
    Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 24 May 2026
  • The fans would relate and connect with him.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 24 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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