CONNECTORS Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

connect

verb

kə-ˈnekt

Definition of connect

as in to integrate

to put or bring together so as to form a new and longer whole connect all the sets of lights and attach them to the branches of the Christmas tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to combine

to come together to form a single unit the two interstate highways connect, so a driver can go from one corner of the state to the other without much trouble

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Soldiers from the 11th Cyber Battalion participated in the exercise, which connected three previously separate programs for the first time. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 Fraser and Wood were both asked about the potential for a sequel or follow-on movie given that the book’s writer Andy Weir has spoken about writing another novel connected to the story. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026 Rivalries make all sports more interesting, but many people feel deeply connected with colleges - even more than professional teams. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 True leadership is about consciously preserving the space where original human thought can breathe, connect, and thrive. — Stephanie Kramer, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for connect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for connect

Verb

Onboard sensors and vehicle-control software track position and operating conditions, while the company’s software is designed to integrate with railroad control and logistics systems.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
Ellison plans to spend at least $30 billion a year on content, but must also merge streaming operations and navigate challenges including integrating CNN and CBS.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of integrate

Verb

After combining to win just 60 games over the past three seasons, good health could see the team residing in the nation’s capital crack 40 wins for the first time since 2018.

— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
The new system takes the concept in a different direction by combining hydrogen production with chemical synthesis.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of combine

Verb

Investigators tracked down the suspect after finding the email address linked to his X account and IP addresses associated with a residence in Grand Blanc.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Once associated with the city’s armed conflict, La Sierra has built a new reputation through its specialty coffee, with 30 local producers who work directly with Rituales.

— Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of associate

Verb

Tatum won Love Island USA in July, coupling up with Bryce Alakai for the victory.

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2026
Later that same year, the researchers coupled their thorium apparatus to an optical atomic clock, proving that these excited nuclei can serve as high-precision timekeepers.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of couple

Verb

Created in the 17th century, Japan’s Fujiko faith fuses Shinto and esoteric Buddhism in its reverence for Mount Fuji, the country’s highest peak.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 11 Oct. 2026
To ground the event in its California roots, the team served a sauerbraten with tri-tip, fusing California’s barbecue culture with German traditions.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of fuse

Verb

After being asked to step out of the chair, a police dog identifies a tin of Altoids in the artist’s pocket.

— William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2026
Sheriff’s officials said the detectives later identified Morales Garcia, Farfan Ambriz and Medina as suspects in the homicide and obtained arrest warrants for them.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of identify

Verb

Eight venues are interconnected by hidden passageways, secret entrances, and whimsical performances.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
More broadly, the expansion illustrates how advanced technology, industrial investment and acquisition reform are increasingly interconnected in modern defence planning.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of interconnect

Verb

Even when controlling for factors like weather and medical conditions, symptom severity correlated with higher skin temperature and less daily fluctuation in body temperature, meaning their bodies weren't cooling down as much at night.

— Will Stone, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026
The evidence is compelling that leadership effectiveness correlates with business performance.

— Bill Koch, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of correlate

Browse Nearby Words

connatural

connect

connected

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

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Synonyms of connect

verb

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