combine

verb com·bine \ kəm-ˈbīn \

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: combine in a Sentence

Definition of combine

combined; combining

transitive verb

1 a : to bring into such close relationship as to obscure individual characters : merge

two companies combining forces

b : to cause to unite into a chemical compound

combining hydrofluoric acid with soda ash to form sodium fluoride

c : to unite into a single number or expression

Combine fractions and simplify.

2 : intermix, blend

Combine the sugar and flour.

3 : to possess in combination

a writer whose works combine imagination and scholarship

intransitive verb

1 a : to become one

The two newspapers combined as the Chronicle.

b : to unite to form a chemical compound

2 : to act together

Many factors combined to cause the recession.

Wolves combine in their hunt for deer.

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combinable

play \kəm-ˈbī-nə-bəl\ adjective

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combiner

noun

Origin and Etymology of combine

Middle English, from Middle French combiner, from Late Latin combinare, from Latin com- + bini two by two — more at bin-

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of combine

join, combine, unite, connect, link, associate, relate mean to bring or come together into some manner of union. join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

- joined forces in an effort to win

combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

- combined jazz and rock to create a new music

unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

- the colonies united to form a republic

connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

- a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

- a name forever linked with liberty

associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation.

- opera is popularly associated with high society

relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

- related what he observed to what he already knew

combine

noun com·bine \ ˈkäm-ˌbīn \

Definition of combine

plural combines

1 a : a combination especially of business or political interests

… Grumman Corp. lost the advanced tactical aircraft contract to the combine of McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamics.
—George J. Church

b : an event at which scouts from the teams in a professional sports league gather to evaluate players in preparation for choosing which players to draft

a scouting combine

Every spring the National Football League conducts that most cherished of American rituals, the college draft. A couple of months before the event, prospective players show off their abilities in an athletic audition known as the combine.
—Carl Zimmer

2 : a harvesting machine that heads, threshes, and cleans grain while moving over a field

See combine defined for English-language learners

Examples of combine in a Sentence

The teams belong to a combine that scouts new players.
charged that the cable companies had formed an illegal combine for the purpose of keeping rates artificially high

Origin and Etymology of combine

see ¹combine

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1886

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

combine Synonyms

Synonyms

alliance, axis, bloc, block, coalition, combination, confederacy, confederation, federation, league, union;

Related Words

cabal, conspiracy, junto;

cartel, syndicate, trust;

faction, front, fusion, side, wing;

association, group, organization;

affiliation, cooperative, partnership;

circuit, conference;

combine

verb com·bine \ ˈkäm-ˌbīn \

Definition of combine

combined; combining

transitive verb

: to harvest with a combine

intransitive verb

: to combine a crop

First Known Use of combine

1926

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

COMBINE Defined for English Language Learners

combine

noun

Definition of combine for English Language Learners

: a group of people or organizations that work together
: a machine that cuts crops (such as corn or wheat) and separates the seeds of the plant from the rest of the plant