Definition of combinenext
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

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
For consumers who prefer to combine beauty steps with existing habits, brushing offers another point in the day for cosmetic care. — Advertorial, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 Streamers and broadcasters who used to compete aggressively for exclusive rights are now combining resources. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
Canada is slapping hefty counter-tariffs on farm machinery, such as combine parts, mowing equipment and livestock trailers. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026 During this time of year, his combines and other heavy equipment run constantly. — Michel Martin, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • Join her for forest bathing or connecting with the Island’s ancient trees.
    — Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Awe Inspired cofounder and chief executive officer Max Johnson first connected with Wilson after the model wore one of the brand’s necklaces to a Teen Vogue summit.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Critics were mixed on the film, which follows a Facebook engineer (Mikey Madison) who leaks thousands of internal documents to a reporter (Jeremy Allen White) to blow the whistle on the company’s dark practices.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • For now, the reception to the finding has been mixed, largely because of Tsiokos’s significant use of generative AI in the proof.
    — Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The January indictment charged Maduro and several associates with participating in a narcoterrorism conspiracy involving Colombian guerrilla organizations, Mexican drug cartels and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua criminal organization.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Trump’s draconian immigration measures have made recent deportees and asylum seekers alike easy targets for extortion, kidnapping, and occasionally recruitment by certain cartels along the US-Mexico border.
    — Daniel Peña, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has long been focused on improving conditions in cotton farming through a combination of environmental and social principles.
    — SJ Studio, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In the age of driving, cars have been our homes and our exoskeletons, fortresslike rooms of one’s own, embodying an intoxicating combination of danger and safety.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • By uniting Eastern cultural references, uncompromising craftsmanship, and conscious sustainability, Songmont continues to cultivate a distinct cultural identity and voice on the global stage.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The merger will also unite two of the five biggest Hollywood studios; dozens of television channels; and two of the biggest US TV news divisions, CNN and CBS News.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Onboard sensors and vehicle-control software track position and operating conditions, while the company’s software is designed to integrate with railroad control and logistics systems.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Ellison plans to spend at least $30 billion a year on content, but must also merge streaming operations and navigate challenges including integrating CNN and CBS.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Musk’s name is one of a number of wealthy individuals that Paramount CEO David Ellison has considered tapping for the syndicate, the people said.
    — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Semafor said Musk is one of a number of wealthy individuals that Paramount, led by CEO David Ellison, has considered approaching to join a syndicate of equity investors into the company.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Even if the wars do continue, the identities of both major parties are in flux—existing coalitions are shaky, and the tremors could lead to unexpectedly competitive races in seats drawn around outdated assumptions.
    — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Fox News Digital extracted the names from the logos and built a database of the coalition.
    — Asra Q. Nomani, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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