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Definition of joinnext
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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
In late 1965, after facing threats from authorities and becoming disillusioned with Colombia’s political system, Torres joined the National Liberation Army, a rebel group that still exists. Manuel Rueda, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026 Styles joins a prestigious list of previous curators including David Bowie, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, The Cure’s Robert Smith, David Byrne, Grace Jones, Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker and most recently, Little Simz. Sophie Williams, Billboard, 16 Feb. 2026 In one settlement set to be devoured by London, Hester (Hera Hilmar) is waiting to exact revenge against Thaddeus Valentine (Hugo Weaving) for killing her mother, and young historian Tom Natsworthy (Robert Sheehan) joins her incipient rebellion. David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Feb. 2026 She was joined by the likes of Keke Palmer, Issa Rae, Kirsten Dunst and Ego Nwodim, among others. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for join
Recent Examples of Synonyms for join
Verb
  • In a sports media landscape often dominated by contract disputes and on-field rivalries, the Garrett-Kim interview resonated as something refreshingly heartfelt — and the poem, a four-line verse touching on the themes Garrett says occupy his mind most, struck the deepest chord.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
  • How would a person whose skin had never touched the outside air or been exposed to sunlight or temperature extremes react upon experiencing these for the first time?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • If an agency is allowed to give itself the right to enter people's homes, the consequences could go far beyond immigration enforcement.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
  • After graduating from Syracuse University, Silverblatt entered a training program at S&P in downtown Manhattan in the late 1970s.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Run by the international Caravane Earth Foundation, this agricultural initiative has brought together global experts to research farming methodologies that combine traditional practices with innovation.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Made with the same cut-resistant fabric as its compact organizer, this classic design combines durability with thoughtful security features.
    Jennifer Vermeer, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The bill compels public universities and local governments, including schools, to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The officer attempted to detain Parnell, who allegedly did not cooperate, Thompson said.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The labyrinth of pathways connects guests to both the various outdoor spaces and grand buildings that house the 156 rooms and villas, including the main building where the majority of the hotel’s dining and drinking options are located.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The bridge connecting Long Island City, Queens, and the Upper East Side was officially renamed the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge in 2011.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Upright To reduce the height of an upright juniper through crown reduction, cut back the leader to a junction where an upward-facing side branch is attached.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2026
  • It was later seen driving west on Route 20 in Watertown, and at a Waltham gas station near the I-95 junction.
    Neal Riley, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Accessibility Massive Caesars does accessibility right with ramps adjoining its various levels, accessible guest rooms with lots of space for power wheelchairs, and moveable chairs at slots machines and table games.
    Andrea Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Further, nearby Walmart, Stop & Shop supermarket, Comfort Inn, and adjoining Motel 6 drive consistent traffic to the area, according to Marcus & Millichap.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The defection is another blow to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who lost the last election in April and even his own seat in Parliament, but has since rejoined the House of Commons.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Being traded twice made Conley eligible to rejoin the Timberwolves, who were thus able to sign him to a minimum contract after lowering their luxury tax bill beneath the first apron by jettisoning his original salary.
    CBS News, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Join.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/join. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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