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
Grace McCarty is the associate beauty editor at Glamour. Grace McCarty, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2025 Helium Pictures is the producer with the support of Screen Australia and Screen NSW, with ITV Studios attached as international distributor and associate financing partner. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
Gastrointestinal Conditions Chia seeds may help manage gastrointestinal conditions, including those associated with intestinal inflammation and an imbalance of gut bacteria. Joy Emeh, Health, 5 Oct. 2025 The 2015 Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act facilitated information sharing between the government and the private sector, thereby protecting companies from the legal risks associated with sharing sensitive data. PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
In 2008, shortly after dad died, Tyler Esposito got his associates degree in film and followed in dad’s footsteps into independent video production. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025 At a home goods store in a Copenhagen suburb, sales associate Peter Sandell says 20 liter water containers are a hot item. Teri Schultz, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for associate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for associate
Verb
  • The 4-star Starlink Mini combines around-the-globe connectivity with a compact, efficient design that can travel almost anywhere with you.
    Wendy Sheehan Donnell, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Isabella Lozano had been traveling in the eastbound lanes of the freeway when the crash happened in front of her vehicle.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Salmon said his counselor suggested his attraction to men was his father’s fault because his job kept him away from home a lot, causing Salmon to identify more with his mother.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • But that changed, and the case took a turn after two denizens of Nashville's street scene were identified as suspects.
    Keith Sharon, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The answer against Florida and Missouri was McConkey, who had his two best games of the year, combining for 13 catches and 230 yards.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • In this case, the ACIP guidance formalizes an existing recommendation, which is designed to reduce a very rare, slightly elevated risk of seizures when the two shots are combined into a single injection.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The evidence that Song was the shooter comes from a green mask the assailant wore from which samples that tested positive for Song’s DNA were taken and from interviews with cooperating sources, FBI Special Agent Clark Wiethorn testified at the hearing.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Council failed to speak up about recent threats facing the immigrant community, Mateo-Pascual said, including the controversial immigration enforcement bill requiring sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For most healthy adults, magnesium citrate mixed with juice is safe and effective.
    Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The natural oils are then mixed with either potassium hydroxide to create a liquid soap or sodium hydroxide to create a solid soap.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But a chat message from Washington to a colleague, released to KUOW and ProPublica last week through a public records request, spells out additional reasons for turning down Daugaard’s proposal.
    Ashley Hiruko, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2025
  • At 10 Magazine’s 25-year celebration during London Fashion Week, the editor found a corner spot at Sael in Piccadilly and turned it into her throne as friends, colleagues and business partners came to pay their respects.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That’s a devastating blow because Pionk’s second-pair success is somewhat dependent on having Samberg as his partner.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The elections division launched an investigation and reached out to their partners, including the printer and authorized carrier.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The airline has been swapping out auxiliary power units (APUs) — small engines that are located in the back of planes — since 2022, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Updates include a new cafeteria space, a new two-story wing, an agricultural lab with welding booths, an auxiliary gymnasium, music and band classrooms, a construction lab and more.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Associate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/associate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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