Crossword Genius

Squeal, excitedly, participating in matches? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

equals

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'participating in matches?' is the definition.
'equals' can be an answer for 'matches?' ('equal' can be a synonym of 'match'). I'm not certain of the 'participating in' bit.

'squeal excitedly' is the wordplay.
'excitedly' indicates an anagram (letters excited or stimulated into a new form).
'squeal' with letters rearranged gives 'EQUALS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for equals that I've seen before include "sign" , "Peer group" , "Peers, matches" , "Is as good as" , "Those with the same status, rights, etc." .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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