join 1 of 2

Definition of joinnext
1
2
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

3
4
5

join

2 of 2

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

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
The set marked their first Coachella appearance with vocalist America Foster, who joined in 2025, and Ape Drums, who joined in 2019. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 2026 Cole joined Nolan Ryan as the only pitchers in major league history to strike out at least 11 in three consecutive starts to start a season. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026 The Air Force 1 Low has joined the Dunk, Blazer and the Air Max 95 as a classic sneaker to be retooled for skateboarding by Nike SB. Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 13 Apr. 2026 More than 500 global CEOs and dozens of top US and global economic officials will join us this week. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for join
Recent Examples of Synonyms for join
Verb
  • All the trembling, as Kimbangu touched the sick, alarmed European settlers and reassured the plantation workers who trekked to Nkamba in search of healing.
    Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • No private debt collector can touch your wages or your bank account without first winning in court.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Motta entered, dressed in a black suit and Louboutin heels.
    Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Painter entered to begin the third for his third big league appearance.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • China's strategic and commercial oil stocks, combined with barrels in transit, cover well over 120 days of net imports, said Dan Wang, China director at Eurasia Group.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026
  • In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, sugar, cocoa and salt.
    Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As part of his guilty plea, Heuermann agreed to cooperate fully with the FBI’s behavioral analysis unit to help catch other serial killers.
    Michael R. Sisak, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Rex Heuermann, the Gilgo Beach serial killer, must cooperate with the FBI’s behavioral analysis units as part of his plea agreement.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The two stayed connected by writing letters to each other when camp ended.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The device works with most routers and can be connected using a push-button pairing process.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For a standard single-junction solar cell, that ceiling is around 33%.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Apr. 2026
  • That is the junction where a forensic psychosocial evaluation can become a catalyst for justice and promote the human dignity.
    Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Among the bottles on Avra Madison’s list is Anseillan, a wine from the estate adjoining Château Lafite Rothschild, which is owned by DBR Lafite and is made by the same team.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The rest hail from all over, and while the city’s cultural pull makes leisure guests the large majority, the huge gardens and event spaces like the Conventino, a deconsecrated 19th century church adjoining Palazzo del Nero, mean that the hotel is a popular venue too for social and corporate events.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Koepka since has left LIV and was allowed to rejoin the PGA Tour this year with stipulations.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Haley rejoined the Carver County Attorney’s Office as an assistant county attorney in March 2010 after earning his juris doctor degree.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Join.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/join. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on join

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster