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.
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
The students in the sunny, book-filled room were comparing what makes them the same and what makes them different.
From Seattle Times ● May 15, 2024
They were comparing people who said they had never had Covid-19, with those who had had a Covid-19 infection without lingering symptoms, and those who currently or previously had long Covid.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2023
His paintings were gorgeous abstract masterpieces, and people were comparing him to the masters.
From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman
