as in to share
to take a share or part eager to participate in the city's cultural life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of participate Student 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for participate
Verb
  • 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.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • That gap can cause marketing to keep optimizing based on CPC or CPL without knowing which leads actually move forward in the funnel.
    Ron Browning, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Participate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/participate. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on participate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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