combine 1 of 2

combine

2 of 2

noun

1
as in cartel
a number of businesses or enterprises united for commercial advantage charged that the cable companies had formed an illegal combine for the purpose of keeping rates artificially high

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb combine differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of combine are associate, connect, join, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

combined jazz and rock to create a new music

When would associate be a good substitute for combine?

The meanings of associate and combine 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

When is it sensible to use connect instead of combine?

While in some cases nearly identical to combine, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

When might join be a better fit than combine?

Although the words join and combine have much in common, join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

In what contexts can link take the place of combine?

The synonyms link and combine are sometimes interchangeable, but link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

When can relate be used instead of combine?

The words relate and combine can be used in similar contexts, but relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

When is unite a more appropriate choice than combine?

The words unite and combine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 combine
Verb
Massacre, enslavement, rape, kidnapping of women and children, combined with starvation and disease, more than decimated native nations. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 23 Apr. 2025 Paraclete 2, Sierra Canyon 0: Two pitchers combined for the shutout. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
Opera rap, soul and hip-hop combine in the high-stakes story of diverse, young singers (some of which have performed at the Sarasota Opera) vying to perform on the world’s biggest opera stages, and who express the love, struggle, heartbreak, sacrifice and joy of pursuing your dreams. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025 Watson, whose massive frame is famous in Gainesville, put himself on the national stage after a 36-rep bench press that would’ve marked the best figure at the combine by three reps. Jackson Castellano, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • Velour banners with artwork of fish, fowl and fauna hang from the tall ceilings of a lower seating area connected to the cafeteria.
    Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 22 Apr. 2025
  • No injuries connected to the product have been reported.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Simply mix up your behavior and choose to walk or roll while listening to quality discussions with longer formats, soothing voices, that offer stepwise solutions.
    Katy Bowman, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Key News Asia ended a volatile week mixed as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, and India outperformed, and Japan and Singapore were off.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • On the man’s back was a large design of Santa Muerte, a female Grim Reaper that became a symbol of the Sinaloa drug cartel in Mexico before becoming adopted by MS-13.
    David Culver, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The cartel now sees demand for crude growing by 1.3 million barrels per day this year and next year, down about 150,000 bpd from its previous estimates.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least two and a half hours per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or an hour and 15 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or some combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Every slow start means a player is cooked, not ready or some combination of both.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Republican leaders in the House worked to unite their divided party behind the budget plan this week before Congress leaves town for a two-week recess.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • California has 43 Democratic House members, who tend to be united in questioning the Trump tariff policies.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To further integrate the environment, use natural materials such as oak and mixed hardwood.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025
  • In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower used the act to enforce the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas, sending federal troops to ensure the safety of Black students integrating the school against the resistance of state authorities.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Long story short: This is the tale of the rise and fall of the Sith's massive criminal syndicate away from the Empire's prying eyes, so expect more of the surprisingly dark tone past shows have often flirted with.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • While the Trump administration has alleged that Abrego Garcia is connected to the notorious crime syndicate MS-13, he has not been formally charged with any crime.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • What To Know Thursday's ruling by Hollander was in response to a case brought against DOGE by a coalition of labor unions and retirees who argued giving the new body access to Social Security data breached privacy and was a security risk.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Brinkema oversaw a three-week trial last year on claims brought by the DOJ and a coalition of states.
    Jody Godoy, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on combine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!