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
In subsequent years, the influence of Afrobeat—an expansive term for music that combines West African polyrhythms, particularly from Nigeria and Ghana, with elements of jazz and funk—became increasingly palpable in Byrne’s writing. Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025 Let’s say undeniable bridal history combined with fashion experience. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
Elsewhere, the style’s upper combines both real and synthetic leathers with a nylon ripstop material. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025 Harvest season turned tragic in rural Cass County on Thursday, when a combine and a BNSF train collided about five miles northwest of Page, killing the combine driver. Matt Henson, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • More than 60% of 136 facilities connected to missile production or the Chinese military’s rocket force, which controls China’s nuclear arsenal, showed signs of expansion in satellite images.
    Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • This can then aid you in targeting your audience, guiding you in adjusting prices to consumer needs, and even lead you to use AI to personalize marketing messages to better connect with certain groups.
    K.H. Koehler, jsonline.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Set in the world of Tokyo’s red-light district, Souza’s feature debut won the 119 Marvila Studios Award, the top prize in the Agora’s Works in Progress section, offering sound mixing services in post-production.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Whoever mixed that show somehow got the intro music way up here and dialogue down here.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The bank drew headlines that year after pleading guilty in a Tampa court to laundering the Medellin cartel’s drug money.
    Deena Sabry, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • There is no cartel for the wind.
    John Kerry, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Simple combinations like 1111, 4444 and 1234 were used to gain access to the messages waiting in the inbox.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The chain started with a single location in Rogers in 2017 and offers more than 20,000 drink combinations.
    John Magsam, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Supporters of the Cougars and Red Raiders have united behind Texas Tech’s official barber, Ivan Ortiz, and his wife, Maddie Ortiz, after Maddie suffered severe injuries in a recent car crash.
    Sam Jane, New York Times, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The extremely complex movement incorporates a special ruby duplex escapement and unites grande and petite sonnerie, alarm, and calendar functions.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Properly integrating Isak in the team after the international break is going to be crucial to delivering an upturn in fortunes.
    The Athletic's Liverpool staff, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Staying close to digital innovation and working to integrate AI across the enterprise is also top of mind.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • These syndicates are part of the same criminal economy that funds military airstrikes and repression.
    Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Such crackdowns attract notice from Boswell, who detects a civilian ally in his fight against local syndicates.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Encinitas Library is now the fourth organization to become California Green Business Certified in Encinitas and join the Encinitas Green Business Network, a growing coalition of local organizations committed to sustainable operations and community impact.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025
  • While the coalition focuses on hearts and minds, the city’s reparations commission is concentrating on data and accountability.
    J.M. Banks November 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

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