compete

verb

com·​pete kəm-ˈpēt 

competed; competing

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

• battle
• contend
• face off
• fight
• race
• rival
• vie

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

When considering paint colors and fabrics, pick a mix of shades and patterns that complement each other, rather than ones that compete for your attention. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024

But the firm could compete in secondary markets, like the suburbs of Memphis or Houston. —Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

The advancing high school marching bands competed in regional semi-state competitions across the Indiana on Saturday, Oct. 26. —Alexandria Burris, The Indianapolis Star, 27 Oct. 2024

Is Travis Kelce competing with another tight end for Taylor Swift's heart? —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing compete

• can't compete

Kids Definition

compete

verb

com·​pete kəm-ˈpēt 

competed; competing

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