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 probe came a day after Musk said Monday that SpaceX has acquired his artificial intelligence startup xAI in a record-setting deal that combined the rocket and satellite company with the maker of the Grok chatbot. Jean-Nicholas Fievet, NBC news, 3 Feb. 2026 Maxey, Barlow and Embiid combined to score 22 points in the third when the Sixers were outscored 34-28, but still led 100-87. CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
Here at the market, the smell of fish, fresh onions and car exhaust combine. Regina Garcia Cano, Fortune, 10 Jan. 2026 Over 100 fighters have already registered for the combine, which combines athletic testing, live entertainment and fan engagement. Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • Once its parachute is deployed, Draco would connect to a geostationary satellite, outputting its data.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Knueppel came out hot and swished his first three shots beyond the arc and ended up tossing in 34 points, connecting on 10 of 16 attempts and going 8 for 12 from 3-point range.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Long a collectors’ holy grail, this searching, atmospheric soundtrack recorded for Chicago’s Adler Planetarium in 1993 mixes spiritual jazz with avant-garde pan-Africanism.
    Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Here, mixing different chain thicknesses lends itself well to creating some messy texture to make the outfit feel more relaxed and organic.
    Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The cartel abducted two employees, blindfolded them and demanded to speak with their bosses.
    María Verza, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Sandweg also said the Border Patrol has no business operating in a city like Minneapolis because their training is geared more toward encountering drug cartels and migrants along the border.
    Anna Schecter, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Bieber attended the 68th Grammy Awards wearing a manicure that matched her lip combo perfectly—and required a combination of four iconic shades to achieve.
    Glamour, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2026
  • One of her jump combinations, a triple lutz-triple loop, earns among the highest points in women’s skating, and Liu’s speed and ease in flowing from the first jump immediately into the second with nothing to propel her but her own momentum, often earns her additional points for execution.
    Alice Park, Time, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Clergy united in solidarity in light of what happened in Minnesota.
    Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Set against the backdrop of 1930s East London, the musical dramatizes a pivotal historical moment when over 100,000 residents – Jews, Irish dockers, trade unionists, communists and everyday locals – united to oppose the rise of fascism in their neighborhood.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Under the program, the Indian Army will receive V-BATs and licenses for Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, which will be integrated into the V-BAT platform.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Feb. 2026
  • While cell towers are normally installed in inconspicuous locations to seamlessly integrate into urban landscapes, Echard’s visitors are encouraged to seek out and view this edifice at close range.
    Theo Belci, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • His son, Paolo, now a district representative in Davao, was rumored to have a Triad crime syndicate tattoo on his back, and refused to remove his shirt in a Senate panel on drug smuggling.
    Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • According to federal prosecutors, a group of bettors enticed players with payments of anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 for their willingness to help the syndicate win bets on first-half and full-game spreads.
    Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The move comes as nine local district attorneys launched a coalition this week to assist in prosecuting federal law enforcement officers who violate state laws.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
  • At the heart of his coalition-building is a belief that virulent partisanship is a messaging issue more than a political one.
    Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

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