association

noun

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as·so·ci·a·tion | \ ə-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shən

, -shē- \

Definition of association

1a : the act of associating

b : the state of being associated : combination, relationship had a long association with the firm

2 : an organization of persons having a common interest : society an alumni association

3 : something linked in memory or imagination with a thing or person His former school has only negative associations for him.

4 : the process of forming mental connections or bonds between sensations, ideas, or memories

5 : the aggregation of chemical species (see species entry 1 sense 1e) to form (as with hydrogen bonds) loosely bound complexes (see complex entry 1 sense 3)

6 : a major unit in ecological community organization characterized by essential uniformity and usually by two or more dominant species

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Other Words from association Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing association Learn More About association

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Examples of association in a Sentence

an association of local business leaders They denied having any association with terrorists. They have a long association with the school and have donated millions of dollars to it.

Recent Examples on the Web Shoddy construction techniques used in the early 1980s when Champlain Towers South was built and a possible lack of proper maintenance by its condo association over the years are two other areas being explored. — Adriana Gomez Licon And Terry Spencer, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2022 His association is asking the EPA to allow soybean oil stocks to shift back into food instead of being diverted to biodiesel production. — Washington Post, 11 May 2022 Instead, the league agreed to join with its players association to investigate reports of inappropriate conduct. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2022 Earlier in May, Gates discussed with the BBC his association with many COVID-19 conspiracy theories, which sometimes results in people yelling at him on the street. — Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, 10 May 2022 Over recent years, a change of Sinn Féin’s leadership has allowed the party to distance itself from its association with the IRA, and present itself as more concerned with bread-and-butter issues such as housing and health. — Max Colchester, WSJ, 6 May 2022 Germany has long had an ambivalent relationship with its military because of its association with Nazi atrocities in World War II. — New York Times, 5 May 2022 Passage of Senate Bill 163, which expands state protections of free-speech rights of employees in the workplace, prompted celebration by the state’s largest labor group and condemnation by its largest trade association. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2022 Vega Pederson worked in tech prior to her foray into politics, was involved in her local neighborhood association and eventually won election to the Oregon House of Representatives. — oregonlive, 29 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'association.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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