comparison
noun
com·par·i·son
kəm-ˈper-ə-sən 
-ˈpa-rə-
1
: the act or process of comparing: such as
a
: the representing of one thing or person as similar to or like another
His poetry invites comparison with the poems of Robert Frost.
b
: an examination of two or more items to establish similarities and dissimilarities
His faults seem minor by comparison.
a comparison of the sports cars
2
: identity of features : similarity
several points of comparison between the two
3
: the modification of an adjective or adverb to denote different levels of quality, quantity, or relation
Examples of comparison in a Sentence
a comparison of the data from the two studies
the comparison of monkeys to humans
I don't think comparisons of her situation and mine are appropriate.
Recent Examples on the Web
Actor William Daniels, 98, who played the character on all seven seasons of the '90s sitcom, expressed a strong opinion on Monday, using his first-hand experience with former President Richard Nixon as a comparison.
—
Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
By comparison, during the last two years, there were hundreds spotted.
—Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Optional add-ons, such as the $500-tour of medieval Montalcino with a Brunello wine tasting, feel almost restrained in comparison.
—Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson while honing lithe dancing skills and his supple tenor, Usher graduated from opener to solo headliner in 2002 with his 8701 Evolution Tour in support of his third studio album, 8701.
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for comparison
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.
Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
By comparison, during the last two years, there were hundreds spotted.
—Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Optional add-ons, such as the $500-tour of medieval Montalcino with a Brunello wine tasting, feel almost restrained in comparison.
—Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson while honing lithe dancing skills and his supple tenor, Usher graduated from opener to solo headliner in 2002 with his 8701 Evolution Tour in support of his third studio album, 8701.
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for comparison
Cite this Entry
“Comparison.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comparison. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
comparison
noun
com·par·i·son
kəm-ˈpar-ə-sən
1
: the act of comparing : the state of being compared
2
: change in the form of an adjective or an adverb (as by having -er or -est added or more or most prefixed) to show different levels of quality, quantity, or relation
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share