compare to / compare with
To liken vs. to set two things side by side.
Compare to points out a likeness between unlike things: He compared the brief to a sermon. Compare with sets two things side by side to weigh their similarities and differences: Compare this year’s sales with last year’s. Use to for a likeness and with for a weighing.
Examples
UseShe compared the drone’s whine to a dentist’s drill. (a likeness)
UseThe auditor compared this year’s costs with last year’s. (a weighing of the two years)
AvoidThe auditor compared this year’s costs to last year’s. (the auditor is weighing the two years, not likening them)