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

The whole men participating in female sports. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 12 May 2026

The doughnut chain announced that Orange Dreamsicle Original Glazed doughnuts will be available at participating shops on Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 12 May 2026

For this production, Zoetic Stage invited rabbis from across South Florida to participate throughout the run. —Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026

Their peers that decided not to participate, such as Chicago and Montreal, have not regretted sitting out. —Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026