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

The original thesis, which investors never bought, was that combining Aetna’s insurance data and CVS’s 10,000 retail pharmacies would cut costs and make care more seamless. — semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026 The hitters were blasting kills with the Hornets’ top three players at the net combining for 36 kills. — Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

Noun

The future of fit combines foot scanning technology, 3D foot data and AI, giving brands, retailers and consumers the intelligence to achieve a better fit. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 Farming jobs evaporated as technologies, from fertilizers to combines, enabled greater productivity, automation, and consolidation. — Ali Kashani, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine

Verb

The virtual model is then connected to its physical counterpart through sensors and data systems.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
In the future, the creators hope to expand the range of accessories that could potentially be connected to the TobenONE system through additional magnetic modules.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of connect

Verb

For a while, Two Shell’s antics—like sending in decoy DJs pretending to mix—were divisive, but at least the music was exciting.

— Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
The story takes place at a time when young British musicians were mixing Punjabi beats with modern, bass-heavy production.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of mix

Noun

Colombian and Venezuelan cartels were reportedly dominating the space left by the power vacuum which emerged from the lack of effective law enforcement.

— Solly Boussidan, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
The killing underscores the dangers facing Mexican local leaders who challenge cartels, as President Claudia Sheinbaum faces pressure to confront organized crime and corruption.

— Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of cartel

Noun

An astronomer observing Earth from another star system might therefore consider the combination a possible sign of life.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
Sure Sports doesn’t keep any assets under its own roof, instead working with over 100 banks and more than 30 private lending groups to fund its clients’ capital needs in exchange for some combination of an underwriting fee and a spread on the loans.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of combination

Verb

As iconic Austin trumpeter Ephraim Owens and composer Sam Lipman undertake an ambitious collaboration uniting Ephraim’s jazz style with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, a health challenge requires them to confront new realities and limits.

— Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2026
Demographers often suggest that the world is united by the crash in fertility rates.

— Jesús Fernández-Villaverde, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of unite

Verb

Their effectiveness is enhanced when integrated with other counter-UAS technologies and established command-and-control arrangements.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
And deliveries to the facility will come through Amazon’s Relay logistics network, which relies on dirty diesel rigs and has only barely started to integrate zero-emission 18-wheelers.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of integrate

Noun

Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are leading the syndicate of investment banks underwriting the offering.

— Reuters, NBC news, 10 Nov. 2026
When his two grandchildren unexpectedly show up in his small Javanese village, Hari must protect them from a criminal syndicate while mending family bonds.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of syndicate

Noun

Saudi Arabia assembled a coalition backing the government, waging a yearslong campaign of air bombardment that brought it international condemnation over civilian deaths.

— AHMED HATEM, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
And an international coalition of artists, including Coldplay, stepped up to support the band.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of coalition

Browse Nearby Words

combinations

combine

combined

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“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of combine

verb

noun

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