combine 1 of 2

Definition of combinenext

combine

2 of 2

noun

1
as in cartel
a number of businesses or enterprises united for commercial advantage charged that the cable companies had formed an illegal combine for the purpose of keeping rates artificially high

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb combine differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of combine are associate, connect, join, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

combined jazz and rock to create a new music

When would associate be a good substitute for combine?

The meanings of associate and combine largely overlap; however, associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation.

opera is popularly associated with high society

When is it sensible to use connect instead of combine?

While in some cases nearly identical to combine, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

When might join be a better fit than combine?

Although the words join and combine have much in common, join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

In what contexts can link take the place of combine?

The synonyms link and combine are sometimes interchangeable, but link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

When can relate be used instead of combine?

The words relate and combine can be used in similar contexts, but relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

When is unite a more appropriate choice than combine?

The words unite and combine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

the colonies united to form a republic

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of combine
Verb
Unlike other defensive specialists, Griner has been able to combine her defensive impact with similar dominance on the other end of the floor. Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 23 June 2026 The ball was flying out of the park early and often, as the two teams combined for five total homers in the contest. Staff Report, Twin Cities, 21 June 2026
Noun
For sugar syrup, in a medium saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, 1/3 cup water, and a pinch salt. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2026 Scott Wheeler pitched in for our first mock draft after the draft lottery, and Corey Pronman guided this exercise for us in the lead-up to the combine a couple of weeks ago. Thomas Drance, New York Times, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • Throughout the season, viewers see a musician struggling to connect.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • Brand-new neighboring sister property Lopesan Splash Cove Resort, Spa, and Casino is also a great pick for big families, with family accommodations that include connecting rooms and two-bedroom suites.
    Chelsea Adams, USA Today, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Swept away The high altitude in Denver can cause certain pitch types to go awry, but Gray had the benefit of being able to mix and match from his expansive repertoire.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026
  • The restaurant makes refined regional favorites like ceviche colimense and his tostada de pozole seco, and mixes cocktails with tuba.
    Food Editor, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The remarks reflected growing unease across Latin America over Washington’s increasingly expansive definition of cartel warfare.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
  • Continue reading … SELENE RODRIGUEZ & AMMON BLAIR — While Mexico defends ‘sovereignty,’ cartels import a flesh-eating parasite into Texas.
    , FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • The 6,845-yard (and always highly rated on a national level) Links/Quarry combination at Bay Harbor Golf Club in Petoskey combines sweeping views of Lake Michigan from the perch above, on the opening six holes.
    Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • The pandemic, in combination with soaring beef prices, had decimated barbecue joints that once peppered the East Bay.
    Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • If the Labour Party decides to unite around one person as its next leader, without an internal contest, Starmer could be out of the premiership by July.
    Frank Andrews, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • World Cup fans were united this weekend by a song synonymous with belonging, nostalgia and the yearning for home.
    Angela Yang, NBC news, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Unlike Substrate, xLight’s strategy is to play nicely within the existing ecosystem, developing technology that can integrate into rather than displace ASML’s and TSMC’s existing architectures.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • Personalized treatments are built around three pillars—energetic renewal, conscious longevity, and stress management—and integrated with the landscape and architecture of the property and the regional cuisine.
    Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • The following day, the syndicate said its Alexandria branch was closely monitoring developments surrounding the allegations at al-Shatabi Hospital.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 June 2026
  • Directed by action veteran Kenji Tanigaki and produced by Bill Kong, the martial arts showcase stars Xie Miao as Wang Wei, an ordinary man who unleashes a relentless rampage against a powerful child trafficking syndicate after his daughter is kidnapped.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • During Sánchez’ time in office, Spain has become one of Europe’s most dynamic economies, despite the fragility of his ruling coalition, which includes Catalan and Basque separatist parties.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • Supporters of Historic Pact coalition presidential candidate Ivan Cepeda attend his campaign rally in Bogota, Colombia, Saturday, June 13, 2026.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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