conjunction

noun

con·junc·tion | \ kən-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən

Definition of conjunction

1 : an uninflected linguistic form that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words Some common conjunctions are "and," "but," and "although."

2 : the act or an instance of conjoining : the state of being conjoined : combination working in conjunction with state and local authorities

3 : occurrence together in time or space : concurrence a conjunction of events

4a : the apparent meeting or passing of two or more celestial bodies in the same degree of the zodiac

b : a configuration in which two celestial bodies have their least apparent separation a conjunction of Mars and Jupiter

5 : a complex sentence in logic true if and only if each of its components is true — see Truth Table

Other Words from conjunction Synonyms & Antonyms What is a conjunction? More Example Sentences Learn More about conjunction

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Synonyms & Antonyms for conjunction

Synonyms

confluence, convergence, convergency, meeting

Antonyms

divergence

What is a conjunction?

Conjunctions are words that join together other words or groups of words.

A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, and clauses of equal importance. The main coordinating conjunctions are and, or, and but.

They bought apples, pears, and oranges.

You can wait either on the steps or in the car.

The paintings are pleasant but bland.

When placed at the beginning of a sentence, a coordinating conjunction may also link two sentences or paragraphs.

The preparations were complete. But where were the guests?

She told him that he would have to work to earn her trust. And he proceeded to do just that.

A subordinating conjunction introduces a subordinate clause (a clause that does not form a simple sentence by itself) and joins it to a main clause (a clause that can be used as a simple sentence by itself).

She waited until they were seated.

It had been quiet since the children left.

Some conjunctions are used in pairs. The most common pairs are either ... or, both ... and, neither ... nor, and not only ... but (also).

They could either continue searching or go to the police.

Both Clara and Jeanette graduated from Stanford.

He could neither sing nor dance.

Not only the money but also the jewelry had been found.

Some adverbs, such as afterwards, consequently, for example, however, nonetheless, and therefore, act like conjunctions by linking either two main clauses separated by a semicolon, or two separate sentences. They express some effect that the first clause or sentence has on the second one.

They didn't agree; however, each understood the other's opinion.

We'll probably regret it; still, we really have no choice.

The team has won its last three games. Thus, its record for the year is now 15-12.

Examples of conjunction in a Sentence

Some common conjunctions are “and,” “but,” and “although.” the conjunction of the two major highways creates a massive influx of cars into the city

Recent Examples on the Web

The screening is being presented with Community + Public Arts: Detroit, a program of the College of Creative Studies, in conjunction with North End residents and community groups. — Detroit Free Press, "For the 51st anniversary of rebellion, a free screening of '12th and Clairmount'," 13 July 2018 In conjunction with his 600-plus career home runs, Pujols became just the fourth player in major-league history with both 600 home runs and 3,000 hits, joining Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Alex Rodriguez. — Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, "Albert Pujols ties Ken Griffey Jr. on career HR list, ties Rickey Henderson on career hits," 13 July 2018 One of those workouts came Thursday in conjunction with scouts' attendance at summer league, with former NBA guard Rodney Stuckey showcasing his possibilities in an individual tryout. — Ira Winderman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Scouting for free agents remains ongoing for Heat," 12 July 2018 The guidance on school violence is a follow-up to one published in 2002 in conjunction with an in-depth study of school attacks and perpetrators. — Del Quentin Wilber, WSJ, "Secret Service Issues Guide Aimed at Preventing School Shootings," 12 July 2018 Harris County Constable Precinct 1, in conjunction with Project ChildSafe, will distribute free firearm safety kits to local residents, according to a news release issued by the precinct. — Victoria Cheyne, Houston Chronicle, "Free firearm safety kits to be distributed," 12 July 2018 The student counselors undergo semester-long training developed in conjunction with university counseling staff, focused on listening skills and referring students to the proper resources. — Aneri Pattani, chicagotribune.com, "College students train to help peers at risk for suicide, depression and more," 12 July 2018 While Jones stands by her decision to air the allegation in the film, Cissy, in conjunction with her niece Dionne, has issued the following emotional statement, revealing their deep concerns about the claim, and the film as a whole. — Liz Mcneil, PEOPLE.com, "Read Cissy Houston's Emotional Full Statement About Claim That Whitney Houston Was Molested," 11 July 2018 That reality, in conjunction with lax regulations on the prices companies can set, incentivizes price hikes to make up for falling sales and the failure to create new blockbuster treatments. — Sy Mukherjee, Fortune, "3 Key Lessons From Trump's Drug Price Feud With Pfizer," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'conjunction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.