Synonyms for

Competes

Verb / kʌˈmpi:ts / Another word for competes — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To strive or try to do something better than someone else

Synonyms & similar words

vie contend compete rivals challenges vies contests jockeys battles fights struggles jostles confronts opposes matches faces duels contends bids

Synonyms by register

Formal

contends rivals vies

Informal

goes up against battles challenges

Literary

strives contests

Antonyms

cooperates collaborates yields surrenders acquiesces concedes

Common collocations

  • competes fiercely
  • competes directly
  • competes effectively
  • competes for
  • competes with
  • competes against
  • competes in

Word family

noun competition
verb compete
adjective competitive
adverb competitively

Usage note

The verb 'competes' implies a struggle for superiority or a desired outcome. It is often followed by 'with' or 'against' to indicate the opponent.

Example sentences

  1. My brother competes in a lot of basketball games.
  2. I like to compete with my friends in running races.
  3. She competes with her classmates to get the highest grade.
  4. The football teams will compete against each other next week.
  5. The dancers will compete in a competition this weekend.

Quotes

  • The only person you should ever compete with is yourself.
  • Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.
  • You don't have to be faster than the bear, you just have to be faster than the slowest person running from the bear.

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