Definition of unitenext
1
2
3
4
as in to collaborate
to participate or assist in a joint effort to accomplish an end only if private investors and public officials unite for the common good, will this city experience an economic revival

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb unite differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unite are associate, combine, connect, join, link, and relate. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

the colonies united to form a republic

When could associate be used to replace unite?

Although the words associate and unite have much in common, associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation.

opera is popularly associated with high society

Where would combine be a reasonable alternative to unite?

While the synonyms combine and unite are close in meaning, 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 connect be a good substitute for unite?

In some situations, the words connect and unite are roughly equivalent. However, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

When is it sensible to use join instead of unite?

The words join and unite can be used in similar contexts, but join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

When can link be used instead of unite?

The meanings of link and unite largely overlap; however, link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

When might relate be a better fit than unite?

The synonyms relate and unite are sometimes interchangeable, but relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

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 unite The results tend toward the vaguely experimental hodgepodge united by a certain slick, spectacular cool. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026 In this, they were united in opposition to existentialism, the philosophy championed by Jean-Paul Sartre that dominated France during the two decades after World War II. Emily Eakin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 What unites them is the method, in which small pieces of marinated protein are threaded onto skewers and grilled over hot charcoal, where the smoke and intense heat create deeply flavorful, succulent, crispy bites. Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 28 July 2026 Because football unites the world, and it was demonstrated impressively this summer. Nick Miller, New York Times, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unite
Verb
  • The larger objective is to combine pre-arrival planning and the on-property experience within one ecosystem.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • From the age of 14, pupils will be able to combine technical subjects like manufacturing and AI with core subjects like maths and English.
    Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Some opponents of the merger have argued that the deal will effectively consolidate all of March Madness under one corporate umbrella and ultimately harm competition for college sports rights.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The move underscores Rabat’s ongoing diplomatic campaign to consolidate international control over the territory, with the highway connecting the city of Tiznit in Morocco to the city of Dakhla, hundreds of miles into Western Sahara.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Hicks said detectives are working to determine Williams' motives, and said the suspect's family was cooperating fully with law enforcement.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • In September, Brun and an associate sold meth directly to a source cooperating with the detail.
    Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In the meantime, the companies could collaborate on incident investigation, come up with industrywide safety standards and regulate themselves before governments do, Corridor's Stamos said.
    Huo Jingnan, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Olivia Rodrigo has collaborated with LEGO on five new building sets, including minifigures of the singer, based on the the Grammy-winning artist’s music.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • On July 28, Mark Zuckerberg published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal arguing that superintelligence should be distributed as widely as possible and that concentrating it in a handful of institutions is the greatest risk AI poses to humanity.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • According to researchers, because the gripping force is spread across a large contact area rather than concentrated at rigid fingertips, fragile objects are less likely to be damaged.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • This time, the flames spread and merged with a fire that was already burning nearby, in the mountains southwest of Madrid.
    M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
  • This water therapy experience is offered at Habitas Bacalar, a boutique lagoonside hotel, merging gentle over- and underwater movement and aquatic meditation under the guidance of a shamanic aquatherapist.
    Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Its textured facade will support soil, water, plants, and wildlife, extending the existing riverside park vertically, while multiple windows and external staircases are integrated into the rock-like forms.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The platform’s reactor technologies and catalysts are integrated with software that can adjust operations around intermittent renewable power.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unite. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on unite

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster