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
Historically low mortgage rates during the pandemic, combined with a new focus on the domestic space, the rise of remote work, and an emphasis on improving one's life-work balance, led to an explosion in homebuying activity across the country between 2020 and 2022. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025 Gilbert and Pease realized that this data could be combined with satellite information about light pollution, as well as information about sunrise and sunset times. Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
At last year’s Perfect Game national high school baseball scouting combine, 24 pitchers had fastballs clocked at 95-mph or better. Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 3 Aug. 2025 Hands that measured 9 inches at the scouting combine — large for someone who’s 5-foot-8, 212 pounds — help. Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • Las Vegas may be known for its entertainment and nightlife, but reliable internet is what keeps residents and businesses connected every day.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
  • In Connecticut, Democrats connect with and reflect the values of our hardworking residents who aspire to build a secure and humane future for their families and their neighborhoods.
    Martin M. Looney, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The book mixes Walton’s story with other anecdotes to create an easy-to-read guide to identifying the common personality and behavioral traits that signal scam artists.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Knight believes that fire and passion, mixed with top-drawer skills, could help get Providence to the state’s Final Four.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Therefore, no amount of Trump derangement syndrome tantrums and anti-American propaganda will prevent my government from welcoming assistance to combat the terrorist drug cartels.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The solar sector, meanwhile, plans to pool $7 billion in order to buy out and shutter the least efficient manufacturing sites, before forming a cartel: Panel prices have plummeted, many companies operate at a loss, and the industry shed a third of its total jobs last year alone.
    Semafor Staff, semafor.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The combination of celebrity endorsement, service expertise, and strategic product development creates a formidable market advantage.
    Kaleigh Moore, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • The combination of poor compensation and absent leadership led some staff to start selling art, or acting as intermediaries, off the company’s books.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • First-year students and their families filed back to Corr Hall Chapel for an evening blessing by Donohue, who wanted to calm and unite the crowd after the incident had shocked families and students on campus.
    Shane Brennan, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • There’s an invisible thread uniting everything Danny Ocean has done: Venezuela.
    Martín Toro, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In the future, organizations may explore integrating brief breathwork exercises into virtual meetings, including breathing resets during long work sessions and developing digital platforms that offer customizable breathwork routines.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Tech integrates seamlessly: Networks also do better with technology.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • That round remains ongoing, with OpenAI recently securing $8.3 billion from a syndicate of investors.
    Kate Clark, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2025
  • To finance the project, the Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation closed last March on a $515 million loan with a syndicate of commercial banks led by KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The coalition represents slightly more than half of the seats in parliament.
    Phisanu Phromchanya, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The Flotilla coalition is a massive effort to break the siege on Gaza, and people from 44 countries are taking part.
    Dan Sheehan, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.

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