COMBINE Synonyms: 135 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

combine 1 of 2

verb

kəm-ˈbīn

Definition of combine

as in to connect

to come together to form a single unit the room's highly varied design elements combine to form a harmonious whole

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to mix

to turn into a single mass or entity that is more or less the same throughout combine the sugar and flour in a bowl

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

combine

2 of 2

noun

ˈkäm-ˌbīn

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

as in combination

an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection one of the most notorious combines in the history of organized crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Also on the menu, the Coco D’Amore, which uses the classic Malibu Coconut Rum combined with passion fruit liqueur, pineapple and fresh lime for a sweet, island vibe taste. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 The survey results and objective criterion will be combined into a single score. — Time Staff, Time, 12 Aug. 2026

Noun

Rosters were filled for the Summit Bowl after a combine June 6. — Cal Phillips july 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026 Lowrance hit it off with the Dodgers’ front office in June at the draft combine in Phoenix. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine

Verb

Damianos also hailed the entry of French investment company Meridiam as a backer to the Great Seas Interconnector project, an electricity cable that will connect Europe’s power grid with that of Cyprus and eventually Israel.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
One of those shell casings was entered into the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which compares shell casings and other evidence and connects them to shootings involving the same firearm.

— Mark Morales, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of connect

Verb

Plant it in loose, fast-draining soil mixed with perlite, pumice, or orchid bark, or a combination of all, to keep the roots from rotting.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026
Then add a very small amount of your foundation or concealer of choice and mix them together in the palm of your hand or on a palette.

— Audrey Noble, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of mix

Noun

Federal authorities in Mexico have opened investigations to determine whether Gastélum and Márquez’s killings are related to drug cartels.

— Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
But worse, military action in Mexico would ultimately be counterproductive in the fight against drug cartels.

— Chris Shays, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of cartel

Noun

Tbilisi’s emerging fashion scene is becoming internationally visible with its distinctively bold combination of the old and the new.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
The new order calls for splitting up combination vaccines, like the one that protects against measles, mumps and rubella, which would be given as three shots instead of one, at three separate office visits.

— Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of combination

Verb

Kemp and Jackson united at the Georgia Chamber’s annual congressional luncheon for the first time since Jackson’s party-rattling primary win.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Right’s multiculturalism Meanwhile, the American right was increasingly united less by biological notions of race and more by opposition to multiculturalism, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration and liberalism.

— Eladio Bobadilla, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of unite

Noun

Criminal syndicates operating throughout Asia use cryptocurrency to facilitate massive online fraud operations targeting victims around the world.

— Mitchell Silber, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026
Every woman, child, and man alive was out here grinding all day every day except on Lincoln’s Birthday in death-trap packing plants controlled by a five-man syndicate called the Beef Trust.

— Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of syndicate

Browse Nearby Words

combinations

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combined

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“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of combine

verb

noun

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