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Definitions

comparative

[kuhm-par-uh-tiv] / kəmˈpær ə tɪv /
ADJECTIVE
approximate, close to
Synonyms
STRONGEST
provisional
STRONG
approaching contingent correlative equivalent like parallel relative
WEAK
allusive analogous by comparison comparable conditional connected contrastive corresponding in proportion matching metaphorical near not absolute not positive qualified related restricted rivaling similar vying with reservation
Antonyms
STRONG
different dissimilar separate unequal unlike

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I was almost graduated from UC Irvine and I was studying English and comparative literature.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

When I graduated from UC–Berkeley with my “useless” comparative literature degree, into one of the bleakest job markets in recent American memory, I thought to myself, There must be a loophole somewhere.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

Your columnist sounds like a broken record talking about the comparative merits of inflation-protected Treasury bonds, known as TIPS.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

At heart it has been an exercise in what economists call "comparative advantage" and "agglomeration" - a collection of things.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

Lowell and Wallace both understood that the comparative inhospitability of Mars was due to the scarcity of water.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.