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 Chicago is a Drag festival, the first of its kind in the city, kicks off June 28th in conjunction with the long-running Backlot Bash. — Britt Julious, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago is (finally) getting the big-time drag festival it deserves via Chicago is a Drag," 13 June 2019 The Grand Victoria held a concert in conjunction with the fireworks. — Gloria Casas, Elgin Courier-News, "Grand Victoria won't hold July 4 concert this year, but will help fund Elgin fireworks show," 13 June 2019 Used in conjunction with national weather forecasts and models, the tool annotates forecasts with real-time conditions, which in turn helps to strengthen weather prediction models. — Michelle Z. Donahue, National Geographic, "What is turbulence—and how can you calm down about it?," 12 June 2019 The contest was held in conjunction with the Spirit of the Fourth festivities. — Pomerado News, "Talented youths compete in RB Star," 12 June 2019 This program is in conjunction with the Enfield Public Library’s musical instrument lending program kick-off. — courant.com, "Community News For The Enfield Edition," 12 June 2019 The contest is being held in conjunction with the L.L. Bean store in Oak Brook, which sells clothing and outdoor equipment. — James Krause, Naperville Sun, "Head to a DuPage Forest Preserve park, trail or lake and be entered to win a prize," 12 June 2019 The show will be produced in conjunction with ABC Signature Studios and Kerry Washington’s Simpson Street. — Mike Miller, EW.com, "Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington smolder in first look at Hulu's Little Fires Everywhere," 11 June 2019 Wednesday's rally is in conjunction with market's first Family Pride celebration. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Royal Oak Farmers Market celebrates pride event with food truck rally," 11 June 2019

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.