join 1 of 2

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as in to enter
to become a member of we're always looking for new people to join our book club

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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join

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb join differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of join are associate, combine, connect, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

When would associate be a good substitute for join?

While the synonyms associate and join are close in meaning, associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation.

opera is popularly associated with high society

When is combine a more appropriate choice than join?

The words combine and join can be used in similar contexts, but combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

combined jazz and rock to create a new music

When could connect be used to replace join?

The meanings of connect and join largely overlap; however, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

Where would link be a reasonable alternative to join?

The synonyms link and join are sometimes interchangeable, but link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

When is it sensible to use relate instead of join?

The words relate and join are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

When can unite be used instead of join?

In some situations, the words unite and join are roughly equivalent. However, unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

the colonies united to form a republic

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 join
Verb
This immensely slow-moving and contemplative energy joins us into Leo season, which starts when the sun enters this confident fire sign on July 22. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025 Both will join the league in 2026 after the Golden State Valkyries opened their inaugural season this year. Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025 Prevost joined an institution founded on those principles. Belinda Luscombe, Time, 1 July 2025 From left: Lee Cahill teaches his baby how to high-five, with Nelly the golden retriever joining in. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for join
Recent Examples of Synonyms for join
Verb
  • Jonathan Lamb told reporters earlier in the week, urging residents not to touch mounds of wreckage before it’s properly searched.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 13 July 2025
  • Hours in the studio: sitting on a stool, staring at the drawer of unwilling brushes and oils, not touching a single one.
    Clare Sestanovich, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The irreplaceable power of human relationships — of teacher-student trust — must remain central, especially as AI enters the classroom.
    C.M. Rubin, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Timothy Oakes, 34, from the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (AMIR) in Canada, was arrested on June 15 while trying to enter the U.S. via the Massena, New York, port of entry, the Justice Department said.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Spanning three levels and over 17,000-square-feet, The Louis combines retail, exhibition and hospitality spaces.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Both of these pieces combine the shade with soft, easy-to-wear silhouettes.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • During daytime hours, when weather cooperates, the four giraffes spend much of their day together outside.
    Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025
  • The driver, identified only as a man, stopped at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Simply Unlimited is a cheap option for rural customers Cons: Lower speeds may lead to buffering and lag with more than five devices connected Note: Actual DSL speeds may vary widely and may not meet FCC broadband standards in some areas.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 1 July 2025
  • And the National Climate Assessment was one of the primary tools connecting those dots.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Mantle upwelling at Afar triple junction shaped by overriding plate dynamics.
    Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • These influential manosphere podcasters exist at a dangerous junction between joking and truth-telling, where hosts riff on news-like content, but are not held to the journalistic standards often present in liberal satire shows.
    Allison Jiang, The Hill, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • George and Amal Clooney The couple first held a symbolic wedding at the seven-star Aman Canal Grande Hotel, followed by a civil ceremony at the 16th-century Palazzo Cavalli adjoining the Ca' Farsetti, the Venice town hall where civil weddings routinely take place.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • Photo : Gregory White/Seattle Home Photography An adjoining sunroom serves as a less formal spot to have a meal.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The jets rejoined into a formation of four, pitching out to land right over the base — a landing Caine said was greeted by incredible cheers and tears from the families who sacrifice and serve right alongside the pilots.
    Salena Zito, Boston Herald, 3 July 2025
  • Casting for Meet the Parents 4 is well underway, with Owen Wilson the latest star to rejoin the franchise with Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro and Teri Polo in the upcoming film that also has Ariana Grande on board.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Join.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/join. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.

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