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
The initiative is part of Google’s Debug program, which combines technology, data science, and biological control methods to target mosquito populations without relying on traditional pesticides. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026 The Houston Astrodome is a great example of a structure that, if preserved, would point toward the future by combining historic preservation with new creative uses of an iconic space to serve today’s changing needs. Time, 2 June 2026
Noun
The combine/reaping machine cutting mechanism (1833) American inventor Obed Hussey patented one of the earliest practical mechanical reapers in 1833. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026 Instead of preparing for last year’s NFL scouting combine and pro day ahead of the draft, he’s been focused on football through the months since last season ended in January. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • Akindahunsi is not believed to be connected to prior incidents at or around the UCLA campus, Richard Mejia, director of emergency communications, said in a statement.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • The company reviewed its safety protocols this week in response to the situation at GKN, which is not connected to Arkema.
    Jason Henry, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Portraits of the Hobhouse family, who lived here for more than two centuries, hang alongside tapestry wall trophies in the drawing room, while the teal bar mixes original cornicing with vibrant bamboo chairs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • From Stonewall’s 1969 uprising to today’s golf tournaments, human rights summits and bar crawls, Pride events in Los Angeles, New York and global cities mix festival energy with defiance.
    Geoff Mulvihill, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • The Eastern Pacific and Caribbean remain major corridors for narcotics trafficking, with cartels frequently using small, fast-moving vessels to transport drugs toward the United States and Central America.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
  • His intervention comes as Washington indicts and probes governors for alleged cartel ties.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • That lead quickly dissipated when Miami’s implosion in the bottom half of the first inning — on a combination of timely Florida hits, erraticness from Ciscar and shoddy Hurricanes defense — allowed the Gators to score six runs.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 May 2026
  • Most families pay for college through some combination of loans, income and savings.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • They were united by paranoia, and their quest to protect the American dream by exposing conspiracies and secrets that the powers-that-be would rather stayed hidden.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 June 2026
  • As Bradley prepared to step down, Democrats struggled to find a successor who could unite liberal Black, white, Latino and Asian Angelenos.
    National Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • The new security will also integrate existing Stolen Device Protection rules, such as familiar network and location checks.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • Since last year, when the RSF overran parts of Darfur and Kordofan, the militia has commandeered the gum trade, integrating it into its smuggling empire and further starving government coffers.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Applying terrorism designations to criminal syndicates, Brazilian officials say, conflicts with domestic legal definitions and risks blurring distinctions underpinning international counterterrorism law.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 1 June 2026
  • But Goldman’s syndicate desk knows little about retail.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Courtesy Jared Cooney Horvath Jody Scheer, a retired pediatrician and co-founder of Oregon Unplugged, a parent activist coalition that hosted Horvath for a town hall this spring, said she’s seen parents cite his book at school board meetings.
    Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 31 May 2026
  • Since joining the race amid the Proposition 50 vote, von Wilpert has built a coalition drawing on more support from labor unions, a traditional but powerful base of support in Democratic politics.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on combine

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster