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 Set them stem-end down to prevent mold from developing where the stem connected. — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 A couple of other gaming headsets, including SteelSeries' Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, have swappable batteries, but Glorious' approach improves upon that with its little internal battery that keeps you connected and in the game while swapping. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026 Although firms aren’t supposed to be connected to an insurer or provider, those relationships can be murky. — Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026 No evidence has been presented that the two situations were connected. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for connect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for connect

Verb

Its textured facade will support soil, water, plants, and wildlife, extending the existing riverside park vertically, while multiple windows and external staircases are integrated into the rock-like forms.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026
The platform’s reactor technologies and catalysts are integrated with software that can adjust operations around intermittent renewable power.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of integrate

Verb

Some of the largest proposals seeking chunks of Orange County’s lucrative bed tax got the final crack Wednesday at convincing a task force to advance their ideas, which combined would cost billions of dollars.

— Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
The hubs will combine air taxis, autonomous vehicles, ridesharing, charging, servicing, and last-mile connections.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of combine

Verb

That was until his parents gave him a reality check about the lack of money and abundance of hard work often associated with the path.

— DeAsia Paige, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
No off-season on the water While many people associate water rescues with summer, Lach said some of the Marine Unit's busiest months come after Labor Day.

— Darius Johnson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of associate

Verb

However, coupling real-world satellite data with photorealistic image generation creates unprecedented misinformation risks that Google must guard against if the feature is to survive.

— Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
The Chiefs’ best path to making Mahomes more effective, therefore, is to couple his ability with something that’s effective.

— Sam McDowell July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of couple

Verb

The hard part was splicing the fiber—fusing together hair-thin glass strands that connected homes to the larger network.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2026
Its radar works alongside visible and thermal cameras to provide continuous situational awareness, while integrated command-and-control software fuses sensor data into a single operating picture.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026

Definition of fuse

Verb

The spiritual leader and Nobel peace laureate has said his office will have the sole authority to identify his reincarnation, who will be found outside China.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
This is how recovery becomes a business when a brand defines itself beyond what its products do to identify how the customer needs it most; when that need becomes unmistakably visible; and what the total experience will ultimately mean.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of identify

Verb

Data from Freightos indicates that escalating fuel prices have not directly correlated with air freight rates yet.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026
According to the report, IPO activity and new private jet deliveries are 70% correlated over the past decade, except for the 2020 and 2021 Covid years.

— Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of correlate

Browse Nearby Words

connatural

connect

connected

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Connect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connect. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of connect

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on connect

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

anecdote

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes