comparable

adjective

com·​pa·​ra·​ble ˈkäm-p(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce comparable (audio)
 also  kəm-ˈpa-rə-bəl,
-ˈper-ə- How to pronounce comparable (audio)
1
: capable of or suitable for comparison
The situations are not at all comparable.
2
: similar, like
fabrics of comparable quality
The two houses are comparable in size.
comparableness noun

Examples of comparable in a Sentence

two comparable selections that are hard to choose between
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Rio Outdoor Teak Sofa costs $1,999, a price comparable to similar retailers like Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs. Stewart Savin, Architectural Digest, 21 Mar. 2025 This blood test has an accuracy rate comparable to that of stool tests. Katia Hetter, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025 An example of a city comparable to the size of Elgin that has successfully implemented such systems is Chattanooga Tennessee. Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025 Related Articles Total comparable sales, which includes comparable store and direct-to-consumer sales, increased by 1.9 percent in the fourth quarter. David Moin, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comparable

Word History

Etymology

see compare entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of comparable was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Comparable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comparable. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

comparable

adjective
com·​pa·​ra·​ble ˈkäm-p(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce comparable (audio)
1
: capable of being compared
2
: similar, like
cloth comparable to the best
comparably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on comparable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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