join 1 of 2

Definition of joinnext
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as in to enter
to become a member of we're always looking for new people to join our book club

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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join

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb join differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of join are associate, combine, connect, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

When would associate be a good substitute for join?

While the synonyms associate and join are close in meaning, 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 combine a more appropriate choice than join?

The words combine and join 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 could connect be used to replace join?

The meanings of connect and join largely overlap; however, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

Where would link be a reasonable alternative to join?

The synonyms link and join are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 join?

The words relate and join are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

When can unite be used instead of join?

In some situations, the words unite and join are roughly equivalent. However, unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

the colonies united to form a republic

How does the verb join differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of join are associate, combine, connect, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

When would associate be a good substitute for join?

While the synonyms associate and join are close in meaning, 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 combine a more appropriate choice than join?

The words combine and join 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 could connect be used to replace join?

The meanings of connect and join largely overlap; however, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

Where would link be a reasonable alternative to join?

The synonyms link and join are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 join?

The words relate and join are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

When can unite be used instead of join?

In some situations, the words unite and join 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 join
Verb
Over a dozen of Rob Reiner's past collaborators joined Crystal onstage, including actresses Meg Ryan, Demi Moore, Annette Bening, and Kathy Bates, as well as actors Kiefer Sutherland, Mandy Patinkin, Fred Savage and Jerry O'Connell. Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026 Two police officers each day are dedicated to homeless outreach, as well as a supervisor, and probation officers sometimes join the effort. Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 16 Mar. 2026 Martin, who turned 36 in February, joined the Panthers last season as a free agent. Mike Kaye updated March 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026 The 60 new units for residents with lower incomes in Strawberry Hill join other efforts around KCK to boost the county’s affordable housing stock, including plans in Quindaro and other neighborhoods that could add hundreds of new houses on vacant lots. Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for join
Recent Examples of Synonyms for join
Verb
  • Nick Halic leaned forward, his hand touching the head of senior Charles Eleri while offering a pep talk.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The desparation shot was wide left, never touching the rim or backboard.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The rival rallies in Budapest, which drew hundreds of thousands of people in support of Orbán's nationalist Fidesz party and Magyar's center-right Tisza, are being viewed as a barometer for which side commands more support as the campaign enters its final month.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The nurturing Moon enters your 11th House of Comradeship, inviting caring outreach, low-key check-ins, and sharing plans that fit your energy and budget.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Dante Nori hit into a run-scoring forceout against Ricardo Sánchez, the first of six relievers who combined to finish a five-hitter.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Cowboy hats, jeans, a lot of alcohol and bull riding combine into a special mix of hypermasculine rituals at Mexican rodeo shows.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • However, the defense’s closing arguments called into question the reliability of the prosecution’s cooperating witness, Nathan Josiah Baumann, who was found close to the scene of the shooting and ultimately pleaded guilty last year.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Diaz-Canel said that Havana has been cooperating with Washington in the wake of the incident, that the injured received medical care, and that the relatives of the deceased have been notified.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The jury appears to have been persuaded by prosecutors’ argument that the defendants were members of an antifa cell connected to an ideology that calls for the overthrow of the government.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated March 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Sabalenka connected on 38 of 58 first serves against the 14th-seeded Noskova and notched 11 aces to reach the finale for the third time in four years.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The citric acid reacted with the cellulose to form cross-links, which are chemical junctions that bind the cellulose molecules.
    J. Carson Meredith, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Like many others on our list, this junction sits near a freeway.
    Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Eighteen of the suites/rooms are adjoining for families.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The dining room adjoins the kitchen in classic Victorian style, creating a fluid, convivial space.
    Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Meghan—who rejoined Instagram on January 1, 2025—has long been careful to not show Lilibet and her older brother Prince Archie’s faces on her social media, and their voices are rarely heard, as well.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026
  • It was announced on May 13 that Alex Morgan would rejoin the team as a minority owner.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Join.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/join. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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