associates; associated; associating
1
: to think of one person or thing when you think of another person or thing
—usually + with
I associate flowers with spring.
She will always associate that place with her youth.
People associate the company with televisions but it also makes computers.
Note: When one thing is associated with another, they happen together or are related or connected in some way.
2
: to be together with another person or group as friends, partners, etc.
She associates with [=is friends with] some pretty strange people.
They denied associating with terrorists. [=they denied being involved with terrorists]
He was associated [=connected, identified] with a group of radicals in the government.
I no longer wish to be associated with people like him.
She associates herself with some pretty strange people.
Note: If you associate yourself with something, such as a political movement, you show or say that you support and agree with it.
əˈsoʊʃijət
plural associates
1
: a person who you work with or spend time with
business associates [=colleagues]
Her associates respected her for her hard work.
He is a known associate of criminals. [=he is known to associate with criminals; people know that he works with or spends time with criminals]
2
: a member of a group or organization who is at a level that is below the highest level
She started as an associate at the law firm.
—sometimes used in the names of companiesHe works for Jones and Associates, a consulting firm in Santa Fe.
əˈsoʊʃijət
always used before a noun
: having a rank or position that is below the highest level in a group, organization, etc.
He's an associate member of the club but he hopes to become a full member soon.
She was promoted from assistant editor to associate editor and may soon be promoted to senior editor.
Cite this Entry
“Associate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/associate. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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