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
Our national debt, combined with unfunded obligations, now exceeds $130 trillion. Les Rubin, Boston Herald, 25 Feb. 2026 The restaurant co-op, as it’s described, combines the cooking capacity of 15 kitchens, each of which can accommodate multiple restaurant concepts. Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
Not satisfied with a return to the playoffs and the franchise's first postseason win in 15 years, Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson arrived at the NFL scouting combine with some tough roster decisions ahead. Matt Zahn, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026 Given their quarterback vacancy, the Pittsburgh Steelers are among the more intriguing teams at the combine. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • The shirts’ release Thursday coincided with the announcement that the first phase of the Metro D Line subway extension will open May 8, with three new stations connecting downtown Los Angeles to Beverly Hills.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
  • There were also quick looks at a massive tower floating in the water that could be some kind of gym, plus a beachside town with buildings connected by aquatic bridges.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, blue cheese or ranch dressing and Frank’s RedHot until well combined.
    Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026
  • In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in Europe amid mostly modest movements.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has responded with a more aggressive stance toward drug cartels than her predecessor, that has included sending dozens of drug trafficking prisoners to the United States for prosecution.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • In addition to tourism, the cartel has also expanded into fuel theft, extortion and financial fraud, often masking those operations behind legitimate-looking businesses.
    Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In particular, the young guard combination of Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard has to grow up quickly before the playoffs begin in a couple months.
    William Guillory, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Record players are endlessly fascinating devices, with hundreds of varieties spanning every imaginable plinth, platter, tonearm, and cartridge combination and nearly every aesthetic and budget.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Europe has struggled to unite to meet the challenges of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the last four years.
    Domi Suskova, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The Olympics that preached harmony finally united in a single city known for love, beauty and grudges.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • NextGen research robot The PM01 is a compact humanoid robot designed for researchers seeking to integrate human-like capabilities with advanced robotics.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The Tyersall-Gallop core is integrated into the park’s existing rainforest and the Bukit Timah core is home to a children's garden complete with treehouses, a suspension bridge, and farm.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Labor and trade groups, including a national retirees syndicate, have issued statements condemning the economic and political crisis.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The syndicate called for the government to launch a comprehensive national survey of buildings at risk of collapse.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Some of the coalition’s members live in RVs that could be seized and dismantled if the city is permitted to implement the law, the group said in its complaint.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Organizers of the protest, which was led by a broad Black Lives Matter coalition, claimed that one of the pastors is also an ICE official.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 21 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

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