com·par·a·tive
kəm-ˈper-ə-tiv 
-ˈpa-rə-
1
: of, relating to, or constituting the degree of comparison in a language that denotes increase in the quality, quantity, or relation expressed by an adjective or adverb
The comparative form of happy is happier.
The comparative form of clearly is more clearly.
2
: considered as if in comparison to something else as a standard not quite attained : relative
a comparative stranger
She's a comparative newcomer to the company.
3
: characterized by systematic comparison especially of likenesses and dissimilarities
comparative anatomy
a comparative analysis of the roles of women in different cultures
comparatively
adverb
comparativeness
noun
1
b
: one that makes witty or mocking comparisons
2
: the comparative degree or form in a language
The comparative of tall is taller.
Synonyms
Examples of comparative in a Sentence
Adjective
She did a comparative study of classical and modern art.
I'm taking a class in comparative anatomy.
a comparative analysis of the roles of women in different cultures
The comparative form of “happy” is “happier”; the comparative form of “good” is “better”; the comparative form of “clearly” is “more clearly.”
Noun
“Taller” is the comparative of “tall.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2024
Over time, access to cheap green technologies will likely activate a virtuous process of domestic innovation in areas where the country has a true comparative advantage.
—Edoardo Campanella, Foreign Affairs, 25 July 2024
Samantha Conti, WWD, 16 July 2024
The group’s three jewelry brands, Buccellati, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, delivered 2 percent sales growth at actual rates and 4 percent at constant exchange against demanding comparatives.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for comparative 
Adjective
Last month, bill pay service doxo released its 2024 Cost of Bills Index, which breaks down comparative household costs across the country.
—Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2024
Over time, access to cheap green technologies will likely activate a virtuous process of domestic innovation in areas where the country has a true comparative advantage.
—Edoardo Campanella, Foreign Affairs, 25 July 2024
Noun
Related Articles The comparatives with last year were particularly tough.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 16 July 2024
The group’s three jewelry brands, Buccellati, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, delivered 2 percent sales growth at actual rates and 4 percent at constant exchange against demanding comparatives.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for comparative
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'comparative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to comparative
Dictionary Entries Near comparative
Cite this Entry
“Comparative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comparative. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
comparative
1 of 2 adjective
com·par·a·tive
kəm-ˈpar-ət-iv
1
: of, relating to, or constituting the degree of grammatical comparison that denotes increase in the quality, quantity, or relation expressed by an adjective or adverb
2
: measured by comparison : relative
a comparative stranger
3
: involving the study of things that are alike by comparing them
comparative anatomy
comparatively
adverb
comparative
2 of 2 noun
: the comparative degree or a word form expressing it
"taller" is the comparative of "tall"
Medical Definition
comparative
adjective
com·par·a·tive
kəm-ˈpar-ət-iv
: characterized by the systematic comparison of phenomena and especially of likenesses and dissimilarities
comparative anatomy
the study of blood types by comparative analysis
Legal Definition
comparative
adjective
com·par·a·tive
kəm-ˈpar-ə-tiv
: characterized by systematic comparison
comparative contribution, which apportions according to…respective fault—W. L. Prosser and W. P. Keeton
W. L. Prosser and W. P. Keeton
comparatively
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share