Definition of combinenext
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
That comes as oil prices have already risen sharply due to the Middle East conflict, risking higher energy costs, weaker currencies and elevated interest rates combined for some economies. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026 Scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula, add half of dry ingredients, and beat on low speed just to combine. Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
The league that rules the media business, Madison Avenue and American culture has managed to turn once-obscure events like the combine in February, the draft in April and the schedule release in May into major events. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026 Five-piece bluegrass and jam band combines banjo, mandolin and dobro with improvisation and rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • Venus in your expansive 9th house connects awkwardly with Uranus in your domestic zone, making travel, learning, or a fresh interest feel exciting and slightly disruptive.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • With no eyewitness or traces of blood connecting her to the crime, the prosecution’s case relied solely on circumstantial evidence.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The vapors that had risen from warm bodies in the pews would have carried syllables mixed with candle-soot, distilled as condensation on the chapel windows.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Its primary vehicle to sell ads is its Noovie pre-show which is hosted by former Today correspondent Maria Menounos and features movie trivia, junket-style interviews with celebrities and Hollywood flashback moments mixed in with commercials.
    Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Big agriculture, private security firms, international drug cartels — all are choked out by Reacher’s big ol’ biceps.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Whatever cartel-like behavior does emerge will probably look less like coordinated price-fixing and more like the airline industry, which competes on reliability and bundled extras as the underlying product commoditizes.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • For others, experience might create possibilities through fractional leadership, consulting, advisory work, teaching, coaching, board service, entrepreneurship or some combination.
    Angela C. Hill, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • That opened the door for the 12 states to flex their legal muscle to scrutinize the combination.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • What Koreatown Looks Like Across the US In ‘Koreatown Dreaming,’ filmmaker Emanuel Hahn photographs the small businesses and communities that unite Korean diasporas in the United States.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Outside of her academics, she is equally defined by her capacity to lead and unite others.
    Darla Rivera, Oklahoman, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The 30-kW LOCUST X3 supports the Army’s layered air defense against Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft systems and can integrate with military vehicles including the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
  • In its global vision, Alo has already integrated apparel, movement, recovery, nutrition, mindfulness, content and physical spaces into a single wellness ecosystem.
    Advertorial, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Anti-mafia prosecutor Alessandra Cerreti, who has persuaded dozens of women to testify against crime families across all Italy’s crime syndicates, admits the risks are high.
    Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Details of how to run the syndicate were left to its members — insurers licensed to operate in California who would share in the plan’s profits and losses.
    Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Who becomes Chicago’s next police superintendent is a critical concern for our multiracial community coalition to enforce the Chicago police consent decree.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The 11 other state attorneys must ultimately agree to any potential settlement, and for now, the coalition has not reached a consensus, according to two people close to the situation.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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