synergy

noun

syn·​er·​gy ˈsi-nər-jē 

plural synergies

1

: synergism

broadly : combined action or operation

2

: a mutually advantageous conjunction or compatibility of distinct business participants or elements (such as resources or efforts)

Did you know?

An old saying, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts", expresses the basic meaning of synergy. The word is sometimes used in a purely physical sense, especially when talking about drugs; sometimes a "cocktail" of drugs may be more effective than the sum of the effectiveness of each of the separate drugs. But the word is best known in the world of business. The notion that, when the right two companies merge, they'll produce a profitable synergy seemed exciting in the 1990s, when synergy became a trendy buzzword (even though it's actually been around since the 17th century). The idea of synergy was one factor in what became a "merger mania;" unfortunately, business synergy often turned out to be harder to achieve than to imagine.

Examples of synergy in a Sentence

A synergy has developed among the different groups working on this project.

two companies that have found synergy

Recent Examples on the Web

Illustrating the new synergies within the group, Arter will produce the next Reiffers Art Initiatives exhibition pairing Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone with French emerging artist Tarek Lakhrissi, due to take place from Oct. 15 to Nov. 16 to coincide with Art Basel Paris. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 11 Sep. 2024

What's next: Edwards will continue to look to M&A to fill gaps when the synergies align, as consolidation will continue to take place in the space. —Aaron Weitzman, Axios, 6 Sep. 2024

Both Paramount and Disney have combined their large news units with the business of their local stations, part of a bid to eke out new synergies with the news forces at regional TV stations. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 19 Aug. 2024

This partnership was a natural synergy for Jordan after working with Little Caesars, an NFL sponsor, by appearing in TV commercials, marketing activations and community initiatives. —Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 19 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin synergia, from Greek synergos working together

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

synergy

noun

syn·​er·​gy ˈsin-ər-jē 

plural synergies

: synergism