conjunction

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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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 Shula was chosen as one of the coaches on the NFL All-Time Team, which was selected last year in conjunction with the league’s centennial season. — Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, "Don Shula, NFL’s winningest coach, dead at age 90," 4 May 2020 In conjunction with his offer on social media, McCollum turned to Lillard and challenged him to put up something. — oregonlive, "Trail Blazers’ C.J. McCollum pledges ticket and winery tour package in All-In Challenge, Damian Lillard working on an offer," 21 Apr. 2020 Proud to work together towards a strategy where the safety of Americans is top of mind in conjunction towards economic revitalization. — Soleil Ho, SFChronicle.com, "French Laundry chef Thomas Keller joins Trump’s economic revival group," 16 Apr. 2020 His hands rarely work in conjunction with his feet, which causes his hand technique to lack accuracy and timing when employed during his rush. — John Owning, Dallas News, "Film room: 3 draft prospects the Cowboys should consider in the middle rounds, including a high-upside pass rusher," 10 Apr. 2020 Get your binoculars and small telescopes ready and try to capture a picture of this cool conjunction. — Dean Regas, Cincinnati.com, "Need some space? Get to know the stars while social distancing," 23 Mar. 2020 The study was done in conjunction with NASA JPL, the University of California, Irvine, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and GRACE-FO data continuity projects. — Fox News, "Greenland shed enormous 600B tons of ice last year, scientists warn," 21 Mar. 2020 Tencent, the operator of China’s most popular mobile messaging service, WeChat, launched a similar product in conjunction with China’s state planner, the National Development and Reform Council. — Eamon Barrett, Fortune, "The coronavirus is giving China cover to expand its surveillance. What happens when the virus is gone?," 2 Mar. 2020 The daily pill is to be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and the highest statin dose patients can handle, the FDA said. — NBC News, "FDA approves drug that lowers cholesterol in a new way," 21 Feb. 2020

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.