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

Doing the math The early days after the Warner Bros. Discovery merger were marked by a series of cost-cutting measures as Zaslav and his executives set out on a mission to find at least $3.5 billion in synergies. —Lillian Rizzo,alex Sherman, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025

Lirio Marcelo sees synergy where others see separation. —Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are doing brand synergy to promote Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2025

The combined company is looking for at least $2 billion in synergies and that will requires layoffs and restructuring. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025

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