Compare lighter alternative (5)
I believe the answer is:
match
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'compare' is the first definition.
(thesaurus)
'lighter alternative' is the second definition.
(a match can be used instead of a lighter)
(Other definitions for match that I've seen before include "Equal contender" , "Game - pairing - lucifer" , "one's struck" , "of little use when floodlights fail?" , "You can have a love or shouting one" .)