combination

1 a distinct entity formed by the combining of two or more different things <a victory that was due to a combination of luck and planning> Synonyms admixture, alloy, amalgam, amalgamation, cocktail, blend, composite, compound, conflation, emulsion, fusion, intermixture, meld, mix, mixture, synthesisRelated Words half-and-half; absorption, blending, coalescence, coalition, commingling, commixture, compost, concretion, homogenization, immingling, immixture, incorporation, integration, interfusion, intermingling, mergence, merger, merging, mingling; assortment, hash, hodgepodge, hotchpotch, jumble, medley, mélange, mishmash, motley, patchwork, potpourri, variety; accumulation, aggregation, conglomerationNear Antonyms component, constituent, element, ingredient

2 the act or an instance of joining two or more things into one <the combination of mint and chocolate in a delicious dessert> Synonyms union, combining, connecting, connection, consolidation, coupling, junction, linking, merger, merging, unificationRelated Words agglomeration, amalgamation, blend, coalescence, commingling, compounding, fusion, intermingling, intermixture, mingling, mix, mixture, synthesis; reunification, reunionNear Antonyms detachment, divorcement, separation, severanceAntonyms breakup, disconnection, dissolution, disunion, division, parting, partition, schism, scission, split

3 a number of businesses or enterprises united for commercial advantage <the companies formed a combination in an attempt to establish a monopoly in the rubber market> Synonyms cartel, combine, syndicate, trustRelated Words chain, conglomerate, megacorporation, multinational; association, guild (also gild), organization, partnership, pool, union; big business

4 an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection <a combination of citizens dedicated to fighting higher property taxes> Synonyms alliance, axis, bloc, block, coalition, confederacy, combine, confederation, federation, league, unionRelated Words cabal, conspiracy, junto; cartel, syndicate, trust; faction, front, fusion, side, wing; association, group, organization; affiliation, cooperative, partnership; circuit, conference