The difference between compared with and compared to is nuanced, and while many have tried to explain it, the best explanation I’ve found comes from the Daily Writing Tips website:
If the differences are important — if you want to emphasize the differences — then say compared with.
So:
When you compare Trump with Mussolini, you’re emphasizing the differences between them. You’re saying that Trump and Mussolini are different.
When you compare Trump to Mussolini, you’re emphasizing the similarities between them. You’re saying that Trump and Mussolini are similar.Addendum (10/24/2022): Here’s a good explanation from the Wall Street Journal:
Use compare “with” when comparing such similar data.
Use “compare “to” when the purpose is to liken dissimilar things, often fancifully. For example: He compared the stock market to a hockey game.
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