participate

verb

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

intransitive verb

1
: to possess some of the attributes of a person, thing, or quality
the individual man participates in the ideal manFrank 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 noun
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 He was featured on the Food Network and participated in many events in Detroit and was a staunch leader in teaching Detroit's youth. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024 Other hotels participating in the sale include Rosewood Bermuda, Willowbank Resort, and the Royal Palms, which will also provide a daily continental breakfast and evening wine hour complimentary. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2024 The territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands also do not participate. Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Mar. 2024 Very few people attend the auctions in person, but thousands participate on line. Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 8 Mar. 2024 Meghan, 42, and Harry, 39, traveled from their home in Montecito, California, to Austin, where the Duchess will participate in the Opening Day Keynote Panel on International Women's Day. Erin Hill, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 The 6-foot-10 junior forward, born in Pula, Croatia, participated in a grueling summer campaign with the Polish national team, as his father, Igor Sr., played professionally in several countries and took the reins in Poland three years ago. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2024 The action plan included removing Synan, a nationally renowned figure in the fight against the opioid crisis, from participating in any activities that would take him from his normal duties. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2024 In the last few years, according to the group, more than a million Sikhs have participated in its referendums in London, Vancouver, Rome, Geneva, Melbourne, Australia, and San Francisco. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'participate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near participate

Cite this Entry

“Participate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/participate. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on participate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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