How is the word participate distinct from other similar verbs?
The words partake and share are common synonyms of participate. While all three words mean "to have, get, or use in common with another or others," participate implies a having or taking part in an undertaking, activity, or discussion.
participated in sports
When can partake be used instead of participate?
The words partake and participate can be used in similar contexts, but partake implies accepting or acquiring a share especially of food or drink.
partook freely of the refreshments
Where would share be a reasonable alternative to participate?
While in some cases nearly identical to participate, share usually implies that one as the original holder grants to another the partial use, enjoyment, or possession of a thing.
shared my toys with the others
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of participateStudent Body Presidents Maggie McGuire, Mt. Juliet High: The graduating senior participated in student council from her sophomore year in multiple positions.—Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 14 July 2025 Another 27% previously participated in competitive cheer, while 11% had backgrounds in spirit or sideline cheer.—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025 President Donald Trump participates in a round table event at the Hill Country Youth Event Center to discuss last week’s flash flooding on July 11, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas.—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 14 July 2025 Willis didn’t participate at the NFL Combine in 2022, but he was timed at 4.37 in the 40-yard dash during his sophomore season at Auburn in 2019.—Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for participate
Ahead of the All-Star game, the Fever took to social media to share a big announcement regarding Clark.
—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 July 2025
Louis King was named championship game MVP when the Kings defeated the Boston Celtics in the 2021 finals while Davion Mitchell shared tournament MVP honors with Brooklyn Nets guard Cameron Thomas.
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