combine 1 of 2

Definition of combinenext

combine

2 of 2

noun

1
as in cartel
a number of businesses or enterprises united for commercial advantage charged that the cable companies had formed an illegal combine for the purpose of keeping rates artificially high

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb combine differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of combine are associate, connect, join, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

combined jazz and rock to create a new music

When would associate be a good substitute for combine?

The meanings of associate and combine largely overlap; however, 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 it sensible to use connect instead of combine?

While in some cases nearly identical to combine, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

When might join be a better fit than combine?

Although the words join and combine have much in common, join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

In what contexts can link take the place of combine?

The synonyms link and combine are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 combine?

The words relate and combine can be used in similar contexts, but relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

When is unite a more appropriate choice than combine?

The words unite and combine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

the colonies united to form a republic

How does the verb combine differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of combine are associate, connect, join, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

combined jazz and rock to create a new music

When would associate be a good substitute for combine?

The meanings of associate and combine largely overlap; however, 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 it sensible to use connect instead of combine?

While in some cases nearly identical to combine, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

When might join be a better fit than combine?

Although the words join and combine have much in common, join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

In what contexts can link take the place of combine?

The synonyms link and combine are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 combine?

The words relate and combine can be used in similar contexts, but relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

When is unite a more appropriate choice than combine?

The words unite and combine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 combine
Verb
Locals claim combining a cold plunge with a hot sauna is at the root of well-being. Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026 The new look will deliver a reimagined and new space and combine it with 40 affordable housing units for seniors. Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
Such performances, typically staged during festivals and temple celebrations, combine singing, acting, martial arts, elaborate costumes and symbolic makeup to tell classical stories from Chinese folklore, history, and literature. Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 8 Mar. 2026 In the jar of a blender, combine pear, apple cider vinegar, apple cider, rice vinegar, honey, Tabasco and salt and process until smooth. C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • The jury appears to have been persuaded by prosecutors’ argument that the defendants were members of an antifa cell connected to an ideology that calls for the overthrow of the government.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated March 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Sabalenka connected on 38 of 58 first serves against the 14th-seeded Noskova and notched 11 aces to reach the finale for the third time in four years.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Learning about dinosaurs feels like science mixed with fantasy.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
  • In another shallow bowl, mix the quinoa, salt, pepper, paprika and avocado oil.
    Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • His death led to widespread unrest in Jalisco — which is home to popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara — and other states, as the cartels conducted retaliatory attacks that lasted several days, but have left travelers feeling shaken.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The latter seemed to be a proud vindication of corridos, a style that’s been increasingly under scrutiny in música mexicana because of its tradition of name-checking outlaws, bandits, and cartel leaders.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But a combination of better New York shooting, and the home team finally taking advantage of their size, resulted in a truly mind-boggling third quarter stat.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Byrne credited the stock’s outperformance to a combination of positioning and insights from management’s recent conference call, which highlighted stabilization of production in Delaware and capital efficiency opportunities of more than 10 years.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Charlotte Checkers hosted its first Book Club Night in partnership with Trope Bookshop, uniting 450 hockey fans and sports romance lovers.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The ground that unites the powerless against the powerful is always about to collapse.
    George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Defense technology is rapidly evolving as artificial intelligence and unmanned systems become more integrated into military operations.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The department will integrate higher education and workforce development programs.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Then in 2022, Iran paid two members of an Eastern European criminal syndicate to kill the Iranian dissident and journalist Masih Alinejad at her home in Brooklyn; this attack was also foiled.
    Colin P. Clarke, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Sunny Nights stars D'Arcy Carden and Will Forte as a pair of siblings trying to launch a spray tan company out of the back of their van, only for things to go from bad to worse when they're blackmailed, indebted to a criminal syndicate, and running for their lives.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • People not attuned to the evangelical world may have missed the growing prominence of hyper-politicized churches such as Mercy Culture, which have become a key wing of the MAGA coalition.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Look, this war represents in my view the single biggest challenge to the president’s electoral coalition from 2024.
    NBC news, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on combine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster