Thesaurus results for PARTICIPATE

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

participate

verb

pär-ˈti-sə-ˌpāt

Definition of participate next

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 More than 160 artists and galleries will participate in this year’s Upstate Art Weekend (June 25-29). —

Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026 Teacher Ashley Green's classroom at Clara Barton Elementary School in West Mifflin won in her first year participating in the program. —

Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 19 May 2026 There’s probably enough room for everyone who wants to participate. —

Margherita Bassi, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026 Once that happens, the program will have Rocky Mountain Power enroll every home in participating communities. —

David Condos, NPR, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for participate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for participate

Verb

These days, teams’ payrolls are capped and the league’s revenue is shared.

— Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
The service Casual but professional, and everyone from the concierge to the person helping you get set up at the pool is incredibly friendly and more than happy to share their favorite spots around the island.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026

Definition of share

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participants

participate

participated

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“Participate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/participate. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of participate

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