compete

verb

com·​pete kəm-ˈpēt How to pronounce compete (audio)
competed; competing
Synonyms of compete

intransitive verb

: to strive consciously or unconsciously for an objective (such as position, profit, or a prize) : be in a state of rivalry
competing teams
companies competing for customers

Synonyms of compete

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Examples of compete in a Sentence

Thousands of applicants are competing for the same job. She competed against students from around the country. We are competing with companies that are twice our size. Did you compete in the track meet on Saturday? The radio and the television were both on, competing for our attention.
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.
Early on, the Pisces Moon in your 4th House of Home opposes Venus in your 10th House of Career, so family needs, private emotions, or household mess may compete with public responsibilities. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026 His daughter already competes in barrel racing, while his 2-year-old son has already begun riding horses. — Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2026 In another clip, people competed with harsh winds to set up a tent encampment on a soccer field and children entertained themselves on a nearby jungle gym. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026 More than 150,000 people across Mexico took this year’s test, which was set on weekends during both May and June, competing for just 21,962 available spots. — Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compete

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin competere to seek together, from Latin, to come together, agree, be suitable, from com- + petere to go to, seek — more at feather

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of compete was in 1620

Phrases Containing compete

Rhymes for compete

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Browse Nearby Words

compesce
compete
competence
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compete. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

compete

verb
com·​pete kəm-ˈpēt How to pronounce compete (audio)
competed; competing
: to strive for something (as a prize or reward) for which another is also striving : contest

More from Merriam-Webster on compete

Nglish: Translation of compete for Spanish Speakers

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