Synonyms of participate

participate

verb

pär-ˈti-sə-ˌpāt 

as in to share

to take a share or part

eager to participate in the city's cultural life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• share
• know
• partake
• experience
• receive
• undergo
• feel
• see
• endure
• accept
• meet
• taste
• encounter

Synonym Chooser

How is the word participate distinct from other similar verbs?

The words partake and share are common synonyms of participate. While all three words mean "to have, get, or use in common with another or others," participate implies a having or taking part in an undertaking, activity, or discussion.

participated in sports

When can partake be used instead of participate?

The words partake and participate can be used in similar contexts, but partake implies accepting or acquiring a share especially of food or drink.

partook freely of the refreshments

Where would share be a reasonable alternative to participate?

While in some cases nearly identical to participate, share usually implies that one as the original holder grants to another the partial use, enjoyment, or possession of a thing.

shared my toys with the others

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of participate

Are global tariffs legal, and have U.S. levies on other countries risen or fallen over the years? CBS MoneyWatch: Tariffs are legal under World Trade Organization rules, although participating countries must comply with certain restrictions and levies are generally capped. —Alain Sherter, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025

In the April 8 finale of Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, Denise Richards and her daughters, Eloise Richards and Lola and Sami Sheen, participated in a photo shoot for Runway TV. —Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Ninety-five golfers will compete for the legendary green jacket at Augusta this week, but Tiger Woods will not participate in his first Masters since 2021. —Max Meyer, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

This year, 8 in 10 Americans plan to participate in spring cleaning, according to Natalie D’Apolito, communications and outreach coordinator at the American Cleaning Institute. —Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025