association

noun

ə-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce association (audio)
Definition of associationnext
1
as in partnership
the state of having shared interests or efforts (as in social or business matters) the public television station is producing the series in association with a foundation for the arts

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2
as in organization
a group of persons formally joined together for some common interest all associations meeting on town property must be registered with and approved by the registrar's office

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in relationship
the fact or state of having something in common what's the association between cat hair and my allergic reaction to certain proteins?

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of association His research has found that while nostalgia is associated with improvements in social connectedness and favorable responses to questions about new innovations like AI, declinism has the opposite associations. — Markham Heid, Time, 8 July 2026 The Flock system was owned and operated by the homeowners association in Brookhaven and identified a rental car that appeared in the area of one attack and was then tracked to the other neighborhoods. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 8 July 2026 Employee resource groups, professional associations and recurring industry events can all provide opportunities to practice connection. — Kim Meninger, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Belgium's soccer association had unsuccessfully lobbied to reverse FIFA's decision to allow the star player into the match. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for association
Recent Examples of Synonyms for association
  1. partnership
  2. organization
  3. relationship
  4. collaboration
  5. institution
  6. kinship
  7. affiliation
  8. institute
Noun
  • The orbital laboratory is operated through a global partnership of space agencies, including NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • The partnership highlights the growing potential of Poltrona Frau’s Custom Interiors unit and its leadership in developing furniture that integrates into high-profile cultural and architectural projects.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
Definition of partnership
Noun
  • Giselle Garcia, program director for NorCal Resist, said the arrest data largely tracks with the organization’s own informal counts though emphasized much enforcement goes unaccounted for if families aren’t willing to speak up.
    — Mathew Miranda July 9, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
  • Success there could help pave the way for wider adoption across military maintenance organizations and other defense sustainment operations.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Definition of organization
Noun
  • Sanz appeared in seven episodes of the Emmy-winning show, which chronicled her life as an adult with Down syndrome, including her relationship with husband, Angel.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • The plants and animals Williford’s ancestors held relationships with became strangers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of relationship
Noun
  • Air Force partnership expands The award extends Asylon’s collaboration with the Air Force beyond autonomous security operations, an area where its robotic platforms already support active missions.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • Danish jewelry giant Pandora introduced a creative platform in collaboration with British stylist Harry Lambert, called Pandora Wonders.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 10 July 2026
Definition of collaboration
Noun
  • Schools may soon be the only institution capable of developing these qualities consistently and at scale.
    — Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Despite those guidelines, neither institution intervened, asked basic questions, or paused transactions long enough to verify what was happening.
    — Ari Maas, New York Daily News, 11 July 2026
Definition of institution
Noun
  • Genuine kinship, even for a few hours, can feel harder than ever to find.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 30 June 2026
  • Raise the Future offers Family Support Services for foster, kinship and adoptive families.
    — Libby Smith, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Definition of kinship
Noun
  • To get a true demographic profile of those who supported and opposed the empty homes tax would require deeper analysis that could include cross-referencing age, educational attainment and party affiliation, Luna believes.
    — Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2026
  • The decision voided the FTC's provision that commissioners could be removed by a president only for cause, and not because of their political affiliations.
    — Dan Mangan,Luke Fountain,Kevin Breuninger,Garrett Downs,Ashley Capoot,Justin Papp, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of affiliation
Noun
  • The institute takes its place among like-minded others as a strong commitment to help end this period of division and chart a brighter course for our country.
    — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2026
  • Over time, the institute says, the constant checking can pull attention away from what your body is actually telling you.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Definition of institute

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associating
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Cite this Entry

“Association.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/association. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on association

Nglish: Translation of association for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about association

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