easy
Compare the two leaves by shape, color, and size.
What does Compare mean?
Compare means examine things to find similarities and differences, or describe one thing as like another.
Dictionary definition
To examine two or more things for similarities and differences, describe one thing as like another, or judge how things measure against each other; in the formal phrase beyond compare, compare means comparison.
Example sentences
Compare in a sentence
easy
The poet compared the moon to a silver coin.
medium
We compared our results with the answer key.
medium
This week's rainfall was low compared with last week's total.
hard
The view from the summit was beyond compare.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice compare in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Compare
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What should you do when asked to compare two stories?
To compare is to examine two or more things in relation to each other.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses compare to mean describe one thing as like another?
Comparing clouds to ships presents one thing as similar to another.
Practice 3
Choose the best word: We ____ the sample with the control to look for differences.
Compared fits because the two things were examined in relation to each other.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Compare
Voice settings
Sounds like
kuhm · pair · strongest beat: pair
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordCompare.
Partverb, noun.
MeaningCompare means examine things to find similarities and differences, or describe one thing as like another.
ExampleExample: Compare the two leaves by shape, color, and size.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- kuhm · pair
- Strongest beat
- pair
- Ending
- pair
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on pair.
Your turn
Say Compare
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced compare.
Synonyms
Words like Compare
Antonym review
Does Compare have an opposite?
Compare has examination, likeness, measurement, and fixed-phrase senses. Ignore and separate may contrast with an activity in context, but neither is a direct general antonym.
Synonym practice
Want to practice compare synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Please compare the two pictures," then compare close word choices. Practice compare synonyms.
Word family
Compare word family
Base word
compare
noun
comparison
An examination or statement of how things are alike or different.
adjective
comparable
Similar enough in an important way to be fairly compared.
adjective
comparative
Based on comparison, or naming a greater or lesser degree in grammar.
adverb
comparatively
When judged in relation to something else.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Compare
Hint for students
Look for whether the sentence asks you to inspect similarities and differences, judge relative quality, or say that one thing is like another.
Common mix-up
Compare is not limited to differences; contrast emphasizes differences. Compare to often introduces a likeness, while compare with often examines both likenesses and differences, though modern usage overlaps.
Try it in class or at home
Give pairs of familiar objects and one short metaphor. Students make a two-column similarity/difference chart for the objects, then explain how the metaphor compares one thing to another.
Teacher prompt
Compare these model sentences: 'Compare the two maps' and 'The author compares hope to a light.' What changes from examining two things to presenting a likeness?
Word Wheel
Practice with the School Words Wheel
This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Compare and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice COMPARE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice COMPARE
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with COMPARE
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice COMPARE
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes COMPARE.
Practice COMPARE
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words