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
The vast majority of these cases – at least 845 – are associated with an outbreak centered in West Texas that has expanded to New Mexico, Oklahoma and possibly Kansas. Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 9 May 2025 Studies now show that as few as 7,000-8,000 steps a day for adults is associated with a significant reduction in overall mortality rates. Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 9 May 2025
Noun
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has drawn sharp criticism from former WWE Superstar Shelton Benjamin and his associate, MVP, after Hogan repeatedly misidentified Benjamin in recent media appearances and implied a non-existent camaraderie. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025 Imagine committing elaborate crimes to garner viral influencer attention or making connections with shady associates via the dark web. Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 6 May 2025
Adjective
Raskin started out as an associate producer on NBC’s Laugh-In in 1967 and graduated to co-producer for the next three seasons through March 1971. Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2025 Tester feedback from associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen Type of sunscreen, key ingredients, and sizes Best Overall Mineral: Mineral Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 Supergoop! Sarah Han, Allure, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for associate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for associate
Verb
  • Ramsey flies more than 400,000 miles per year and has traveled to all 7 continents, 50 U.S. states and 173 of the United Nations countries.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Messi and his teammates will travel to San Jose on Sunday and train there in preparation for Wednesday’s 10:30 p.m. game against the Earthquakes, who are coached by former U.S. national team coach Bruce Arena and whose roster includes former Inter Miami player Josef Martinez.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • The victim was later identified as Terry Lee Gambrel, a 25-year-old Marine corporal, who had hitched a ride with Kraft to meet friends at a party, the sheriff's department said in a separate release.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Investigators were then able to identify two other similar cases that occurred overnight May 7 in Sanford, according to the report.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • But now Korn are opening for a girl who combines the best of Britney and Korn — a freak off the leash.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2025
  • The niche, expensive flagship Android phone continues the design language of previous Xperia devices, while combining the prowess of Sony's various hardware brands, from its Bravia TV and Alpha camera teams to the Walkman music department.
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • But Miami could offer those four specific picks only if the deal for an All-Star is verbally agreed to by draft night (and if Charlotte cooperates).
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
  • Spartan College Campus President Chris Becker said the school is cooperating with the investigation.
    Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Using your hands, mix until a shaggy dough forms and all of the dry spots are gone.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025
  • These elements mix humor and gravity into a rich, dynamic scene on a wooden panel that’s roughly four feet tall.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Shortly after Sanders' name came off the board, Kiper unleashed on NFL franchises, which led to a clash between him and colleague Rece Davis.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 4 May 2025
  • And on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast, Zippel’s colleagues successfully restored populations of the mountain arnica.
    Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Each partner will vet and submit scripts for consideration for an Academy Nicholl Fellowship, and The Black List will serve as a portal for public submissions.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 5 May 2025
  • Additionally, a portion of ticket sales is being allocated to the Easy Day Foundation and its partners.
    Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • The plans include a new 10,000-square-foot auxiliary hangar, two additional maintenance hangars, and a 2,500-square-foot classroom building with a breakroom and vending area.
    Katie Sartoris, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
  • Having made all his available substitutions, Coach Simone Inzaghi resorted to desperation, ordering Francesco Acerbi to go forward and play as an auxiliary striker.
    Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Associate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/associate. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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