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
His first decision was to write a book that combined personal narrative with a practical guide. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 These provisions combine to make every part of the city’s education spending function like a ratchet. Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
Directed by Lawrence Kasdan, the documentary focusing on Short combines rare archival footage with new interviews, The Hollywood Reporter notes. Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 Its expansive field of view, exceptional peak brightness, and stable head-tracking combine to produce a vivid, reliable display that excels for both entertainment and productivity, while its extensive customization options further enhance usability. Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • The Moon in Scorpio connects with Jupiter through your 11th House of Friends, making support and collaboration easier to access.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
  • Innovation will be driven by systems that connect people, businesses, and markets with greater efficiency.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Reduce mixer speed to low and with motor running, add dry ingredients and banana mixture in 2 batches each, alternating between batches and mixing 30 seconds after each addition before adding the next.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Stock futures are mixed in pre-market trading.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The governor was embroiled in a scandal in 2023 involving the Sinaloa cartel, in which his name was published in a letter written by a then-Sinaloa cartel capo whose leaders of a rival faction the cartel had kidnapped.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 May 2026
  • Ruben Rocha Moya, the governor of Sinaloa since 2021, and nine current or former high-ranking Mexican officials were charged in a five-count indictment unsealed Wednesday with allegedly helping a faction of the cartel led by the Chapitos, the sons of Joaquin Guzman Loera — also known as El Chapo.
    Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Church’s combination of talent, affability, and fine manners eased his way into New York’s élite, sometimes inspiring envy among his painter friends.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • The combination creates a vortex effect, which pulls hot ash, embers and debris into a spinning column.
    Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • Banerjee had emerged as one of the most prominent national challengers to Modi, particularly after positioning herself as a key leader to unite regional parties against the BJP.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 May 2026
  • Prem ran on improving infrastructure, public safety, uniting the community and fiscal responsibility.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • The Andes’ natural features could symbolically integrate both the North (snowcapped peaks) and the South (hot lowlands).
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Sweden and Finland, which recently joined NATO, have rapidly integrated into the alliance.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • The syndicate desks engineered the pop by only offering a sliver of stock.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 May 2026
  • For one, the Madlanga Commission — set up to investigate whether criminal syndicates and political actors have burrowed into the police, intelligence, and prosecutorial services — is due to submit its interim report at the end of May.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Belcher thinks that the 2026 midterm elections will be won not just on pocketbook issues but on values and character, and by bringing people together in a multiracial coalition.
    Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Already, Kathy Luther, of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, has put in an application for a brownfield coalition assessment grant and is crossing her fingers.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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