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

2 of 2

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
Proud to join @KeithPowersNYC & our colleagues in the effort to save it. Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Several factors, including rising prices and security concerns, have rekindled Icelandic interest in joining the bloc of 27 nations. Beatriz Ríos, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026 On Saturday, residents of the Nordic island are voting on another un-thawing of sorts – whether to restart long-frozen talks to join the European Union. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 There can also be health fees and fees to join a club or sorority, for example, which add up. Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for join
Recent Examples of Synonyms for join
Verb
  • Her team said they were touched by the idea and are open to continuing the conversation, according to Lee.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Chinese cars are effectively banned in the United States through steep tariffs and regulatory restrictions, but that doesn’t apply to everything China touches in the auto industry.
    Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Kanter Freedom and White have declared their intention to enter next year’s draft, but the WNBA has not publicly addressed their eligibility.
    Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • With his famous quarterbacking last name and a five-star rating as a recruit, Manning entered 2025 with sky-high expectations.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • His screen appeal combines a mix of swagger and self-deprecating, and at times evokes (a taller) Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The companies say the collaboration combines MinTech’s diagnostics capabilities with ELECTRA’s analytics and risk-prediction technology.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The deal came as Washington increased pressure on neighboring Rwanda over its support for M23 rebels, a dynamic analysts say may help explain Congo’s willingness to cooperate.
    Mark Banchereau, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Boohoo, which bought department store chain Debenhams in 2021 and years later renamed itself Debenhams Group, reportedly said through a spokesperson that the company has already cooperated fully with the watchdog.
    Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Purcell played just three quarters for Maine South (1-1), connecting on his first 11 passes.
    Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Goodyear blimps flying high Part of the Goodyear Forward strategy is to increase focus on marketing and advertising to connect with customers to reinforce the brand.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The derailment was caused by an overheated journal box that led to an axle breaking as the train passed through the junction.
    USA Today, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • To counteract this, daily calf stretches are recommended to decrease strain and tension along the musculotendinous junction of the Achilles tendon.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • Undeterred, the three friends bought the hotel and adjoining property for $3 million and have since spent over $10 million on renovations and redesign.
    Madeleine Kashkooli, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In both cases, Soto rejoined the Mets without a rehab assignment.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But, as her clairvoyant predicted, their paths had rejoined for good this time.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Join.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/join. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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