combine 1 of 2

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
Looking ahead, into the franchise restaurnt industry for the balance of 2025 will reward those who combine operational discipline with strategic boldness. Gary Occhiogrosso, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show. Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
The Yash-Narayana combine has unlocked the massive war chest needed to mount one of the most Indian ambitious projects in recent memory. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2025 Turn up the volume For his combine prep, Moore trained specifically for the 10 tests, such as the bench press and 5-10-5 shuttle run, required of every participant. Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • Authorities were seeking several items, including digital devices that would have security recording or would connect the teen to the location.
    Andrew Blankstein, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2025
  • A day after Utah prosecutors unveiled formal charges against the suspect in the assassination of Kirk, no evidence has emerged connecting 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with any outside group.
    Trevor Hunnicutt, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Still, the trouble with grafting modern assumptions onto distant historical eras is that the two usually mix like oil and water.
    Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Markets were mixed in Asia on Thursday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 adding more than 1% to hit an all-time high, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Continue reading … SHEEN COMES CLEAN – Charlie Sheen reveals how his massive drug habit alarmed the drug cartel supplying him.
    , FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The Hollywood Reporter has picked five unmissable features from this year’s typically eclectic lineup, ranging from a Belgian punk-music satire to a Mexican cartel thriller to a horror movie told entirely from the perspective of a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That combination of long-term discipline, patience with cash, a focus on spreads, and tax efficiency is what allows Buffett to harness interest rates not as a distraction, but as a durable competitive advantage.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Opera San Jose has partnered with Cloud4Wi, an enterprise wi-fi platform, to let audience members vote during intermission through their phones or at the lobby on what combination of lovers will end up together.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Vance welcomed the debate over Kirk’s legacy but urged conservatives to avoid infighting for the time being and to unite in mourning.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
  • With the gangs growing stronger and Haiti headed into another political transition, Felbab-Brown warned, the country could find itself in a terrifying situation worse than February 2024, when gangs consolidated their power and united.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • There’s some good advice on how to integrate the Infinity Stones into tabletop stories.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Grok is what happens when a mercurical man of tremendous wealth and influence builds one of the world’s most powerful AI models and then integrates it into a major social-media platform that has become, under his direction, a hub for white supremacy.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • With his back against the wall, Tony must draw on his tactical training to protect his family and survive a deadly showdown with a powerful crime syndicate.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In 1985, Tortora was accused by several alleged ex-mobsters turned informants and state witnesses of being part of a Neapolitan crime syndicate dedicated to drug trafficking.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Contenders for the leadership of Brazil’s right wing coalition are already emerging and are bargaining for Bolsonaro’s endorsement for being presidential candidates in the 2026 elections.
    Adriana Carranca, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Article 76 allows the President to dissolve Parliament and hold elections within six months if no Prime Minister can be appointed from the majority, a coalition, or any member of Parliament.
    Sonal Nain, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

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