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
The name combines the Japanese words for flower (hana) and vomiting (haki-masu). Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025 This box combines three types of cheese with apple slices, grapes, olive oil, and sea salt crackers. Jillian Kubala, Health, 15 July 2025
Noun
Sanders possesses guard skills and a defensive mindset, qualities that caught scouts’ attention at the NBA draft combine. Janis Carr, Oc Register, 26 June 2025 Free agency is right around the corner, and the combine is just days away. Nick Suss, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • What makes those writers crucial here is that Dyer’s own journey is viscerally connected to theirs.
    James Wood, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • Palm trees line the shore, and a paved oceanfront trail connects Wailea to a series of smaller beaches and coves.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Brown points out that this is particularly important in a city like Chicago, with its array of neighborhoods and the multitude of cultures and languages that mix and meld into the spirit of the city.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
  • All-day restaurant Daisy’s Café mixes global flavors with Kenyan flair, and the results are tremendous.
    DeMarco Williams, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • Like other cybercrime cartels, DragonForce locks down a system so the company can’t do payroll or work its registers, then demands ransom, typically in bitcoin, to unlock the files.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2025
  • She was asked about the documents on Tuesday during a press conference about the Trump administration's efforts to combat drug cartels.
    Sonam Sheth Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Reentry Welcome Centers have historically kept themselves afloat through a combination of local funding, federal grants and philanthropic donations.
    Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
  • The store’s freezers are stocked with pies made with combinations of steak, mushrooms, bacon, ale, and haggis.
    Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Despite the unprecedented tragedy, the team united in their decision to compete.
    Eric Noll, ABC News, 15 July 2025
  • The Sunshine Genetics Consortium, formed under the Act, unites leading researchers, clinicians, and biotech innovators from across Florida’s top institutions.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The marks a shift in extending the application of AI beyond technical domains to help workers integrate AI in their team.
    Jeanne Meister, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Once young people reach the workforce, our internships and onboarding should integrate wellness practices into the foundational skills that help them — and our companies — thrive.
    Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • The drama from showrunners J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan starred Josh Holloway as a getaway driver working for an Arizona crime syndicate and Rachel Hilson as an FBI agent.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025
  • Set in the Southwest in the 1972, Duster tells the story of the FBI’s first Black woman agent, Nina Hayes, played by Rachel Hilson, who will have to overcome many obstacles to stop a crime syndicate.
    Maelle Beauget-Uhl, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • And their coalition is divided between a centrist establishment and an insurgent progressive wing with diverging priorities in addressing inequality.
    Nathan Meyers, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
  • The coalition reached the fundraising goal on the final day.
    Douglas C. Towne, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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