blend

1 of 2

verb

blended also blent ˈblent How to pronounce blend (audio) ; blending

transitive verb

1
: mix
especially : to combine or associate so that the separate constituents or the line of demarcation cannot be distinguished
2
: to prepare by thoroughly intermingling different varieties or grades

intransitive verb

1
a
: to mingle intimately or unobtrusively
b
: to combine into an integrated whole
2
: to produce a harmonious effect
blendable adjective

blend

2 of 2

noun

1
: something produced by blending: such as
a
: a product prepared by blending
b
: a word (such as brunch) produced by combining other words or parts of words
2
: a group of two or more consecutive consonants that begin a syllable
Choose the Right Synonym for blend

mix, mingle, commingle, blend, merge, coalesce, amalgamate, fuse mean to combine into a more or less uniform whole.

mix may or may not imply loss of each element's identity.

mix the salad greens
mix a drink

mingle usually suggests that the elements are still somewhat distinguishable or separately active.

fear mingled with anticipation in my mind

commingle implies a closer or more thorough mingling.

a sense of duty commingled with a fierce pride drove her

blend implies that the elements as such disappear in the resulting mixture.

blended several teas to create a balanced flavor

merge suggests a combining in which one or more elements are lost in the whole.

in his mind reality and fantasy merged

coalesce implies an affinity in the merging elements and usually a resulting organic unity.

telling details that coalesce into a striking portrait

amalgamate implies the forming of a close union without complete loss of individual identities.

refugees who were readily amalgamated into the community

fuse stresses oneness and indissolubility of the resulting product.

a building in which modernism and classicism are fused

Examples of blend in a Sentence

Verb The music blends traditional and modern melodies. She blends psychology and crime in her new novel. Noun a blend of cream and eggs a blend of traditional and modern melodies
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Pure album sales were the sole measurement utilized by the Billboard 200 albums chart through the list dated Dec. 6, 2014, after which that chart switched to a methodology that blends album sales with track equivalent album units and streaming equivalent album units. Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 9 Mar. 2024 The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra unveiled on Friday its 2024-25 Masterworks season, featuring concert programs that blend solid classics with new works and a slate of young soloists that have impressed Music Director Geoffrey Robson but may not yet be familiar to central Arkansas audiences. Eric E. Harrison, arkansasonline.com, 8 Mar. 2024 Founded by Leslie Dang, who also runs her family’s Crab Fever restaurant in the same shopping center, has created an eclectic menu that blends her Vietnamese roots with Mexican and Latin American flavors. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 That base is thoroughly blended with thick, soft spaghetti noodles and big shreds of pork that have a great smoky bite. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2024 The Downward Spiral echoes Low’s dual-sided structure—one side for night, one for day— and blends neo-blues funk, jarring vocal melodies, and wordless instrumentals. Adam Steiner, SPIN, 8 Mar. 2024 The Enquirer The 2024-2025 Cincinnati Shakespeare Co. season includes three world premieres – including a new musical – alongside celebrated classics offering a season that blends tradition with innovation and collaboration. David Catlin, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024 The dancers enter wearing costumes that blend with the shadows. Jennifer Homans, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 In both cases, the technology blends seamlessly with human expertise to create a CX that’s both efficient and personal. Andrew Kokes, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
Noun
This flagship wine is made from grapes sourced from the estate’s 95 acres of vines and uses only the best barrel lots in the final blend. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 Through a blend of comedy and melodrama, the series delves into themes of identity and stereotypes, providing a social commentary on machismo and gender norms prevalent in the 1980s. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024 That pizzicato hook — a blend of synthesizer and guitar — is undeniable. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 10 Mar. 2024 With solid wood legs, a comfortable linen blend material, and a small matching ottoman, this chair is an ideal option for sunrooms, living rooms, and guest rooms. L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2024 Insights from Accounting Experts Embarking on a career in tax accounting is a journey filled with intricate details, diverse experiences, and a blend of rewarding and challenging moments. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Smoky pork is generously dressed in Doc’s original sauce, a unique sweet and tangy blend of tomato and vinegar. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 Croquettes the size of golf balls are golden and crispy on the outside with a creamy blend of potatoes and Comté. Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024 This motley crew of lawyers from idealistic rookies to cynical veterans promises a delightful blend of humor, heart, and legal jargon, drawing inspiration from real-life strange and unbelievable cases. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, probably from Old Norse blend-, present stem of blanda to mix; akin to Old English blandan to mix, Lithuanian blandus impure, cloudy

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of blend was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near blend

Cite this Entry

“Blend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blend. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

blend

1 of 2 verb
1
: to mix thoroughly so that the things mixed cannot be recognized
2
: to shade into each other : merge
3
: harmonize sense 2
furniture that blends with the draperies

blend

2 of 2 noun
1
: a thorough mixture
2
: a product (as coffee) prepared by blending

More from Merriam-Webster on blend

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