participate

verb

par·​tic·​i·​pate pär-ˈti-sə-ˌpāt How to pronounce participate (audio)
pər-
participated; participating
Synonyms of participate

transitive verb

archaic : partake

intransitive verb

1
: to possess some of the attributes of a person, thing, or quality
… the individual man participates in the ideal man …—Frank Thilly
2
a
: to take part
always participates in class discussions
b
: to have a part or share in something
Your mother participates in this ambition …—Edith Wharton
participator
pär-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-tər How to pronounce participate (audio)
pər-
noun

Synonyms of participate

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Choose the Right Synonym for participate

share, participate, partake mean to have, get, or use in common with another or others.

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

participate implies a having or taking part in an undertaking, activity, or discussion.

participated in sports

partake implies accepting or acquiring a share especially of food or drink.

partook freely of the refreshments

Examples of participate in a Sentence

Most people joined the game, but a few chose not to participate. eager to participate in the city's cultural life
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In his May 29 email, Whitaker noted that some board members may not be able to participate in a ticket giveaway. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 One of the purposes of Ameri’kana is to gather with other people, meet new neighbors and participate in the arts with others. — Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026 Dorsey-Hollins said 86% of the students who participated in the program made measurable academic growth in math by the end of the intervention. — Samuel O’Neal 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026 Students who enroll at a participating USM institution will also receive an $800 credit to offset the nonrefundable enrollment and housing deposits paid to Howard University. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for participate

Word History

Etymology

Latin participatus, past participle of participare, from particip-, particeps participant, from part-, pars part + capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of participate was in 1531

Rhymes for participate

See All Rhymes for participate

Browse Nearby Words

participant observer
participate
participating bond
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Participate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/participate. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

participate

verb
par·​tic·​i·​pate pər-ˈtis-ə-ˌpāt How to pronounce participate (audio)
pär-
participated; participating
: to take part or have a share in something in common with others
participate in sports
participation
-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən
noun
participator
-ˈtis-ə-ˌpāt-ər How to pronounce participate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on participate

Nglish: Translation of participate for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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