compare
verb (used with object)
to examine (two or more objects, ideas, people, etc.) in order to note similarities and differences.
were comparing
-
past progressiveof compare.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
"The contradictions in the literature were largely because scientists were comparing systems at different effective pressures or densities without realizing it."
From Science Daily ● Jul. 2, 2026
Perhaps investors were comparing it with Amazon’s planned $200 billion capital expenditure this year—the largest among the major tech companies—and fear 10 years of spending at similar levels.
From Barron's ● Mar. 18, 2026
So, for readers who are spending less in the first few years of retirement than when you were working, is that because you were comparing expenses to your gross salary?
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 12, 2026
To start with, the numbers would look weird if we were comparing an election for 57 seats to one with 59.
From BBC ● Jun. 6, 2024
“Whenever you touched me I thought you were comparing me to Rebecca,” I said.
From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier
