Definition of competenext
as in to contend
to engage in a contest prizefighters competing for the world heavyweight championship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 compete Erdogan has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, and the two countries are now both competing for influence in post-Assad Syria. Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 By December 2023, Madix was competing on Dancing with the Stars. Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026 Taaffe is seemingly competing with Trader for the starting free safety role. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026 That investment later swelled to $13 billion as the strategic relationship tightened, but more recently the two companies have been competing on multiple fronts. Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compete
Verb
  • In reality, Loesby contends, many struggles reflect predictable structural mismatches — a lawyer who prefers depth and analysis struggling in a role that rewards constant responsiveness, or one who thrives on collaboration disengaging in isolation.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The states also contend that requiring them to identify mail voters to USPS violates federal privacy protections governing records of individuals’ First Amendment activity.
    Luke Fountain, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Dustin Arnold, were racing as fast as 120 mph in order to get to the scene.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In the span of less than a week this July, surgeons at a Southern California hospital raced to save the lives of two women suffering from alarmingly similar brain hemorrhages.
    Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Without a clear message from Warsh, investors began to doubt the Fed’s inflation-fighting resolve.
    Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Federal safety investigators urged automakers to give emergency responders better guides on how to fight lithium-ion battery fires.
    Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Hyppolite flashed a few times this summer, but is also battling an injury.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The actor died Saturday in Los Angeles surrounded by loved ones after battling pneumonia, her family told The Times on Thursday.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compete. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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