synergy

noun

syn·​er·​gy ˈsi-nər-jē 

plural synergies

1

: synergism

broadly : combined action or operation

2

: a mutually advantageous conjunction or compatibility of distinct business participants or elements (such as resources or efforts)

Did you know?

An old saying, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts", expresses the basic meaning of synergy. The word is sometimes used in a purely physical sense, especially when talking about drugs; sometimes a "cocktail" of drugs may be more effective than the sum of the effectiveness of each of the separate drugs. But the word is best known in the world of business. The notion that, when the right two companies merge, they'll produce a profitable synergy seemed exciting in the 1990s, when synergy became a trendy buzzword (even though it's actually been around since the 17th century). The idea of synergy was one factor in what became a "merger mania;" unfortunately, business synergy often turned out to be harder to achieve than to imagine.

Examples of synergy in a Sentence

A synergy has developed among the different groups working on this project.

two companies that have found synergy

Recent Examples on the Web

Jobim and Regina’s alchemical duet lives in the pantheon of great jazz performances, but even on paper, the song is a masterwork of lyrical and compositional synergy. —Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 13 June 2026

Her clutch 3-pointer nearly spoiled the synergy of Boston and Clark, but when the game hung in the balance, the Fever’s franchise pillars went to a level no other duo in the league has reached. —James Boyd, New York Times, 12 June 2026

Ultimately, this synergy proves that the future of retail lies in erasing the barrier between physical products and digital engagement, turning everyday logistical touchpoints into powerful engines for brand loyalty. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 11 June 2026

The game is built to scale, and players can bring a friend to the fight to unlock synergies as co- op mode enhances intensity and strategy without slowing the pace. —Matt Minton, Variety, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin synergia, from Greek synergos working together

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

synergy

noun

syn·​er·​gy ˈsin-ər-jē 

plural synergies

: synergism