1 compete | Definition of compete

compete

verb
com·​pete | \ kəm-ˈpēt How to pronounce compete (audio) \
competed; competing

Definition 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

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

Her company doled out Fitbits — those digital schoolmarms that ceaselessly track their wearer’s every move — to teams of employees who competed against each other. — Bina Venkataraman, Time, "How Your Obsession With Short-Term Results Can Hurt You in the Long Run," 23 Aug. 2019 Among the estimated 2,300 Jewish athletes who competed in the recent 15th European Maccabi Games in Budapest, Hungary were South Floridians who took home medals for Team USA. — Sergio Carmona, sun-sentinel.com, "South Florida athletes compete at European Maccabi Games in Hungary," 23 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'compete.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of compete

1620, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for compete

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

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More Definitions for compete

compete

verb

English Language Learners Definition of compete

: to try to get or win something (such as a prize or reward) that someone else is also trying to win : to try to be better or more successful than someone or something else
: to try to be noticed, accepted, or chosen over something else

compete

verb
com·​pete | \ kəm-ˈpēt How to pronounce compete (audio) \
competed; competing

Kids Definition of compete

: to strive for something (as a prize or a reward) for which another is also striving

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More from Merriam-Webster on compete

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with compete

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for compete

Spanish Central: Translation of compete

Nglish: Translation of compete for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of compete for Arabic Speakers

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