associate 1 of 3

1
2
as in to identify
to think of (something) in combination she still associates Memorial Day with her long-ago fiancé, who died in Vietnam

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5
as in to mix
to take part in social activities you should try to associate with people your own age

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

associate

2 of 3

noun

associate

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb associate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of associate are combine, connect, join, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," 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 would combine be a good substitute for associate?

The words combine and associate 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 is connect a more appropriate choice than associate?

While the synonyms connect and associate are close in meaning, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

Where would join be a reasonable alternative to associate?

In some situations, the words join and associate are roughly equivalent. However, join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

When might link be a better fit than associate?

Although the words link and associate have much in common, link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

When can relate be used instead of associate?

The meanings of relate and associate largely overlap; however, relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

In what contexts can unite take the place of associate?

While in some cases nearly identical to associate, 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 associate
Verb
Solly | | Read More Meilan Solly is Smithsonian magazine's senior associate digital editor, history. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 June 2025 Her recent retirement freed her up during the day, and a longtime connection with TheatreWorks associate director of casting Jeffrey Lo ultimately led to a role in the musical adaptation, created by the trio of Ashley Robinson (book), Dan Gillespie Sells (music) and Shakina (lyrics). David John Chávez, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
Noun
Side-stepping the kind of vast content-library construction now associated with services like Amazon Prime Video or HBO Max, Apple TV+ has accumulated just a few hundred titles over its six years in existence, curated around its relatively tiny collection of original films and TV shows. Chris Lee, Vulture, 27 June 2025 But the pair hit a road bump after Bieber was reportedly offered a hefty paycheck to perform at a gig associated with the Republican National Convention. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
Adjective
Viola Flowers Viola Flowers is a news associate for NBC News. Viola Flowers, NBC news, 23 June 2025 Campos, from Franklin Park, recently earned an associate’s degree from Triton, and hopes to become an electrical engineer. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for associate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for associate
Verb
  • Located within the downtown area, anchor your stay by parking your car (free of charge) and traveling on foot to explore shops, the farmers market, and restaurants.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • Portnoy recalls traveling with her husband to four different medical institutions after a year of misdiagnosis.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Its global study on smartphone addiction identified the 10 most effective strategies to reduce smartphone use.
    Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • Lidia Zepeda, who identified herself as a childhood friend of Garcia, created a GoFundMe account to help the family with funeral expenses.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • The configuration combines to produce 200 horsepower.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 22 June 2025
  • This gentle yet effective face wash combines the clarifying power of tea tree oil with salicylic acid to keep breakouts at bay without stripping your skin.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Grossi said Iran is legally obligated to cooperate with the IAEA under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
    Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 26 June 2025
  • Politically, since its founding in 1981, the NCRI has demonstrated, as the broadest and longest-lasting political coalition in Iranian history, its readiness to cooperate with all political groups and currents committed to democracy, human rights, secularism, and a republican form of governance.
    Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Recipe Tips For Pontoon Dip Room temperature cream cheese is easier to mix into cool mayonnaise and sour cream.
    Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
  • Six bartenders were asked to mix certain cocktails in a bid to beat the robotic system in a taste-test challenge.
    Gabriel Snyder, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • While a council vote is not expected before December, Lee and his colleagues said in a June 10 budget memo that preliminary discussions have taken place with the Development Services Department, Mayor Todd Gloria and outdoor advertising companies.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • All about helping his colleagues be seen as experts, promoting the players, and honoring the greats.
    Richard Deitsch, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • According to the TikTok profile, Kieffer is six feet and 10 inches tall, while his partner stands at six feet and two inches.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • Retail partners have included the likes of Jeep, E.L.F. Cosmetics, Google and Cook, among a number of other top brands.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • But in recent months, Fernandez has demonstrated his value to Chelsea’s attack, creating chances more efficiently in the final third and offering an auxiliary goal threat.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The pause on salary adjustments and the hiring freeze will not affect faculty and students whose jobs are funded externally through grants, contracts and auxiliary services.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Associate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/associate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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