hold a candle to

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compare v.
compare v.
contrast v.
touch v.

VERB

compare

Synonyms

STRONGEST

connect correlate equal link match relate

STRONG

allegorize approach assimilate balance equate parallel resemble standardize vie

WEAK

approximate to be in the same class as be on a par with bear comparison bring near come up to compete with distinguish between draw parallel identify with make like notice similarities put alongside show correspondence stack up with tie up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disconnect imbalance

STRONG

differ disagree

VERB

compare

Synonyms

STRONGEST

analyze contrast correlate equal match measure study

STRONG

approach balance bracket collate confront consider contemplate divide examine hang inspect juxtapose observe oppose parallel ponder rival scan scrutinize segregate separate touch weigh

WEAK

match up place in juxtaposition set against set side by side size up stack up against weigh against another

Antonyms

STRONGEST

imbalance

STRONG

aid assist combine desegregate discard disregard forget gather help ignore join leave neglect support unite

VERB

contrast

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contradict diverge vary

STRONG

balance bracket collate conflict depart deviate differentiate disagree distinguish hang mismatch oppose separate weigh

WEAK

be a foil to be contrary to be dissimilar be diverse be unlike be variable match up set in opposition set off stack up against stand out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agree

STRONG

aid harmonize help join stay

WEAK

accord be alike be equal be similar coincide concur conform

VERB

touch

Synonyms

STRONGEST

approach come to

STRONG

amount equal match meet parallel rival tie

WEAK

be a match for be in the same league be on a par come near come up to measure up partake of verge on

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.

See Examples For:

hold a candle to

Oh, yes, he was told: The stories “couldn’t hold a candle to the reality.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

“And then my accomplishments — no one can even hold a candle to those.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026

While most sectors have beaten the S&P 500 this year, “none of them hold a candle to energy’s gain of over 23%,” Bespoke said in a note emailed Thursday.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 12, 2026

Not even the side that reached the Champions League final last season can hold a candle to the mesmeric finesse we have witnessed since August.

From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2024

Even if it is a liberty act, there’s no reason to think it could hold a candle to Marlena’s.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

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hold a candle to

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