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

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
The Zag team has a raft of new superheroes ready to join Ladybug, and Zag also teased a live-action Miraculous series. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026 Jake Furlong After being traded to the Hawks from the San Jose Sharks in January and joining the IceHogs, the 22-year-old defenseman experienced a culture shock — in a good way. Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal joined the chorus to make the corridor safer. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026 But a few of Flora’s attributes are already apparent after just two assignments since joining Low-A San Jose. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for join
Recent Examples of Synonyms for join
Verb
  • So many people were touched by the attack, and NFL circles were no exception.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • These dramas also touch on the pressure of high school football and the high expectations that communities have for their teams.
    Jerald McNair, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Career rushing yards • Ravens running back Derrick Henry entered the top-10 on the career rushing list last season.
    Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Both rebounded last week with wins, but only one will enter conference play with a winning record.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Many legal instruments combine the constituting of governments with the assigning of territory and the proclaiming of laws.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Neither offense has looked great, as the teams have combined for only 250 yards.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • AfD appears just short of an absolute majority, leaving questions over whether other parties’ refusal to cooperate can still keep Germany’s first far-right state government from emerging.
    Geir Moulson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • If the horizon is clear and the weather cooperates, these are the evenings to circle on your skywatching calendar.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That gave Michigan one more shot, and Underwood made this one count, connecting with JJ Buchanan for a game-winning 47-yard touchdown to avert disaster in Kyle Whittingham’s debut as Wolverines coach.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The next step will connect microscopic damage with the properties that matter most for fusion magnets.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Located at the junction of three continents—Europe, Asia, and Africa—the region has historically been a crossroads for conquerors, peoples, trade, and ideas.
    Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026
  • But at the junction of Sexta Calle and Tercera Avenida, Molly’s feet drag.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The two ports adjoin one another and together form the largest container port complex in the Western Hemisphere.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Nearby, a dining area topped with a Noguchi light fixture adjoins a sleek matte black and brass-accented kitchen, which has an expansive island that seats five, integrated appliances, and a walk-in pantry.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Geronimo Rulli, the 34-year-old goalkeeper, rejoined the club from Marseille on August 12 to replace Trafford.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Moreover, Hill — who rejoined Swoosh in October 2024 as the new CEO — is facing geopolitical and macroeconomic factors that are just as challenging.
    Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Join.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/join. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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