COMPARE Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

compare

verb

kəm-ˈper

Definition of compare next

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

contrast

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 The company posted an adjusted profit of 1.01 per share, compared with analysts' expectations of 44 cents, according to data compiled by LSEG. —

Jaiveer Shekhawat and Manya Saini, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025 When on the ball, the aim is often to work the ball to Salah to finish off the moves, as this graphic comparing Premier League players' contributions to their teams' attacking output underlines. —

Andy Jones, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025 The research rating, formally known as the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, was created in 1970 to help researchers compare, group and study the 3,939 different universities in the U.S. —

Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2025 One day last week, just 22 people were being held in custody in the Tucson sector, compared with 500 a month ago. —

Jack Healy, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for compare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare

Verb

Trump then equated employment practices benefitting minority groups with promoting incompetence, and indicated the fate of American Flight 5342 may have been the result of diversity, equity and inclusion hiring (DEI).

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2025
Trump implicitly equated racial, gender and other forms of diversity with a lower-quality federal workforce.

— Sareen Habeshian, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025