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

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
He’s rushed for 1,031 yards combined over the past two seasons, with 22 total touchdowns, while averaging nearly 4 yards per carry. Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026 Designed as a safe, autonomous, and highly generalizable system, MATRIX-3 combines biomimetic sensing, dexterous manipulation, natural human-like movement, and a new cognitive core capable of zero-shot learning. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
In a small dish combine melted butter and paprika. Holly Riordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026 Parker is coming off his worst year at Clemson, but a great combine/draft-prep period could quickly turn him back into a top-15 prospect. Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • One of those techniques involves an empty chair placed in front of a client, encouraging them to imagine and speak to someone connected to unresolved emotions.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Fort Worth police said the three cases are not connected.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The effect feels elevated and intentional, allowing outfits to stand out while remaining versatile enough to mix easily with classic staples.
    Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Fragrance stacking, also known as layering means mixing scents to create your own custom blend according to Almira Armstrong, founder of Lumira.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • She's also covered the cartel wars along the TX-MX border, Congress in Mexico City, 3 presidential races, and 6 hurricanes.
    Karen Brooks Harper, Dallas Morning News, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Organized in many cases by cartels, who federal agents told CBS News drive the cars into Mexico and use them to traffic drugs and weapons.
    Ryan Beard, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The dynamic seemed a combination of engagement, respect and deference in the fledgling relationships.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Her hair was styled in a long ponytail and her makeup done with a romantic highlighter-blush combination and a nude lip.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Additionally, the film will finally unite the Avengers with several actors from Fox's X-Men films, which took place in a separate universe that will presumably crash into Disney's MCU.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey indicated Thursday that the city is united in the wake of Wednesday's shooting of a 37-year-old woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in a residential neighborhood.
    Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The steering wheel is integrated directly with the Tensor Robocar autonomous driving system.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The Serenity Pants fall under $90 and are an easy way to integrate this rich color into your wardrobe.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In other words, Oklahoma’s largest writer of homeowners insurance was behaving like a crime syndicate.
    J.C. Hallman, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Adams put together a portfolio of his workday doodles and sent it to several newspaper syndicates.
    Chris Koseluk, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The debate within the Democratic coalition is already bigger and louder, dividing moderates in swing states from progressives elated by Mamdani's rocket to victory in the nation's largest city.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The coalition behind #BeGood includes Maremoto, Move On, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Working Families Power and leaders from every sector of the entertainment industry are showing support.
    Glamour, Glamour, 11 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

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