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

That doesn’t mean flipping over dazzling new technologies, but wondering at simple things: an idea, a melody, a theory, an opportunity, synergy, or fantasy. —Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

These Islands additions feel like corporate synergy, as the new live-action film (starring Mason Thames, Nico Parker and Gerard Butler) has made more than $350 million at the box office worldwide. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025

There are upgrades to core stats and abilities, and multiple ways to maximize the synergy between the Swordsman and Puck. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025

The natural synergy is leading to great incubation of projects as well as execution of outcomes. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 June 2025

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