Synonyms of associate

associate 1 of 2

noun (1)

ə-ˈsō-shē-ət 

1

as in colleague

a person frequently seen in the company of another

a number of his associates were members of organized crime, so he was a person of interest to the FBI

Synonyms & Similar Words

• colleague
• friend
• buddy
• accomplice
• peer
• fellow
• cohort
• partner
• companion
• classmate
• comrade
• running mate
• compatriot
• crony
• compeer
• teammate
• affiliate
• collaborator
• mate
• hobnobber
• familiar
• ally
• coworker
• pal
• confidant
• intimate
• equal
• chum
• half
• roommate
• hearty
• workmate
• escort
• shipmate
• playmate
• schoolmate
• housemate
• attendant
• countryman
• playfellow
• confederate
• parasite
• leech
• messmate
• hanger-on

2

as in partner

a fellow worker

my associates at the office

Synonyms & Similar Words

• colleague
• partner
• coworker
• peer
• buddy
• confrere
• collaborator
• fellow
• copartner
• accomplice
• ally
• pal
• half
• cohort
• chum
• equal
• comrade
• companion
• crony
• confederate
• compatriot
• countryman

associates

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural of associate

1

as in colleagues

a person frequently seen in the company of another

a number of his associates were members of organized crime, so he was a person of interest to the FBI

Synonyms & Similar Words

• colleagues
• friends
• peers
• buddies
• accomplices
• cohorts
• companions
• comrades
• fellows
• classmates
• partners
• compatriots
• compeers
• cronies
• teammates
• mates
• collaborators
• allies
• coworkers
• running mates
• affiliates
• hobnobbers
• pals
• workmates
• confidants
• intimates
• chums
• equals
• confederates
• countrymen
• familiars
• playmates
• shipmates
• halves
• schoolmates
• roommates
• attendants
• housemates
• messmates
• parasites
• escorts
• leeches
• playfellows
• hangers-on
• hearties

2

as in coworkers

a fellow worker

my associates at the office

Synonyms & Similar Words

• colleagues
• coworkers
• peers
• partners
• buddies
• confreres
• allies
• collaborators
• accomplices
• fellows
• equals
• cohorts
• pals
• comrades
• companions
• copartners
• confederates
• halves
• countrymen
• compatriots
• chums
• cronies

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

Recent Examples of associate

Noun

The third victim, described by prosecutors as an associate of the gang, was accused of overstating his status within MS-13. —Sydney Barragan, Daily News, 6 June 2026

Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend and associate, remains the only other person charged in connection with Epstein's crimes. —James Hill, ABC News, 4 June 2026

Noun

Undeniably, Putin and associates miscalculated how easily Russia’s military would be able to occupy and take control of Ukraine, repeating Cold War successes. —Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

Close colleagues and associates say Fraser is a thoughtful ally and reliable friend. —Claire Zillman, Fortune, 27 May 2026