Definition of connectnext
1
2
3
as in to associate
to think of (something) in combination opera is popularly connected with high society

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb connect differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of connect are associate, combine, join, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

In what contexts can associate take the place of connect?

The meanings of associate and connect 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

Where would combine be a reasonable alternative to connect?

The words combine and connect can be used in similar contexts, but combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

combined jazz and rock to create a new music

When is join a more appropriate choice than connect?

The words join and connect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

When can link be used instead of connect?

While in some cases nearly identical to connect, link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

When is it sensible to use relate instead of connect?

While the synonyms relate and connect are close in meaning, relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

When might unite be a better fit than connect?

In some situations, the words unite and connect are roughly equivalent. However, 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 connect The route connected airports in Blacksburg and Charlottesville, Virginia, with Frederick and Baltimore County, Maryland. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026 Secondly, there are ligaments connecting these bones to each other. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 Enjoy a relaxed, supportive space to create, connect, and grow artistically. Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026 Officials and scientists are not yet sure just how dire the apparent rise in cyclosporiasis is and whether the cases around the country are actually connected. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for connect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for connect
Verb
  • Later in the curriculum, students will learn to ethically and effectively integrate AI into advanced legal research, writing, and clinical practice.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • In future updates, the platform is expected to integrate an advanced commercial version of the model, further improving depth completion, object boundary detection, and spatial structure understanding.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • The actual Tann was born to free parents and, according to some sources, served in the Union Army before moving to Kansas, where he became known for combining medicinal treatment with physical therapy.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Increasingly the two are combined into multi-orbit networks, with room for operators old and new — from Viasat to Astranis.
    Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Beauty tourism was once largely associated with lower-cost dental work and a handful of cosmetic surgeries performed abroad.
    Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • His name is now associated with Johnny Kling (1902) and Walt Dropo (1952) in the record books.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • According to the researchers, future electronic-photonic systems will likely require multiple coupling technologies, each balancing manufacturing complexity, optical efficiency, and integration density differently.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
  • The producers essentially did as much once both were exiled from Casa Amor, and the two made the mutual decision to couple up onscreen.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Along with the state-of-the-art sound system at its core, this a place that’s capable of fusing festival vibes with beach like aesthetics – all in an otherwise lazy Vegas afternoon.
    Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • And the premise of Robotech is there is alien technology on Earth that allows for humans to fight back against the incoming aliens by fusing with the technology itself to become mechs.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • No deaths have been reported and the source of the cyclospora infections hasn’t been identified.
    Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • Ahead of the law taking effect, SANDAG released a draft map in June identifying which transit stops will be subject to new high-density zoning.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
Verb
  • This case underscores the distinct yet interconnected nature of these legal mechanisms.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • This concern should not be a barrier to modernizing and interconnecting our grid to enable approvals for renewable energy projects.
    James Ferguson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Being proactive and demonstrating social intelligence are directly correlated with career success and employability.
    Jason Walker PsyD, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Research shows that public preschool attendance is correlated to higher performance in third-grade reading and math.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Connect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connect. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on connect

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster