ASSOCIATE Synonyms: 233 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'associate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of associate are combine , connect , join , link , relate , and unite . While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation. // opera is popularly associated with high society

Q: When would 'combine' be a good substitute for 'associate'?

The words combine and associate 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

Q: When is 'connect' a more appropriate choice than 'associate'?

While the synonyms connect and associate are close in meaning, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity. // a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

Q: Where would 'join' be a reasonable alternative to 'associate'?

In some situations, the words join and associate are roughly equivalent. However, join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness. // joined forces in an effort to win

Q: When might 'link' be a better fit than 'associate'?

Although the words link and associate have much in common, link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity. // a name forever linked with liberty

Q: When can 'relate' be used instead of 'associate'?

The meanings of relate and associate largely overlap; however, relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection. // related what he observed to what he already knew

Q: In what contexts can 'unite' take the place of 'associate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to associate , unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity. // the colonies united to form a republic

associate 1 of 3

verb

ə-ˈsō-shē-ˌāt

Definition of associate

as in to travel

to come or be together as friends a socially ambitious couple who joined the country club in order to associate with the right sort of people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to identify

to think of (something) in combination she still associates Memorial Day with her long-ago fiancé, who died in Vietnam

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to combine

to come together to form a single unit the elements hydrogen and oxygen associate to form molecules of water

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cooperate

to form or enter into an association that furthers the interests of its members nations deciding to associate in order to remove trade barriers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to mix

to take part in social activities you should try to associate with people your own age

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

associate

2 of 3

noun

ə-ˈsō-shē-ət

as in colleague

a person frequently seen in the company of another a number of his associates were members of organized crime, so he was a person of interest to the FBI

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in partner

a fellow worker my associates at the office

Synonyms & Similar Words

associate

3 of 3

adjective

as in auxiliary

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb associate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of associate are combine, connect, join, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," 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 would combine be a good substitute for associate?

The words combine and associate 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 is connect a more appropriate choice than associate?

While the synonyms connect and associate are close in meaning, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

Where would join be a reasonable alternative to associate?

In some situations, the words join and associate are roughly equivalent. However, join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

When might link be a better fit than associate?

Although the words link and associate have much in common, 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 associate?

The meanings of relate and associate largely overlap; however, relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

In what contexts can unite take the place of associate?

While in some cases nearly identical to associate, 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 associate

Verb

Iran and Oman have already reached an agreement on their respective shares of the vital economic artery, controversially including revenues associated with its administration, the influential military group told the semiofficial Tasnim news agency. — Mike Sheen,kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 But for many autistic women, masking is a relentless pressure that is associated with suicidal behavior over the long term. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Noun

Bank associates told her the bank had been hacked, though didn't say by whom. — Arezou Rezvani, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026 But the ocean heat content below the surface in the Gulf is far below normal, according to an ocean heat content page by Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Today’s Four Questions interviewee is GHSA associate director and football supervisor Jasper Jewell, who has been on the job since April. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 27 Aug. 2026 This time, though, Bing Wang (associate concertmaster), Robert deMaine (principal cello) and Joanne Pearce Martin (the orchestra’s pianist) have long been playing together in the orchestra, as well as in chamber music settings. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for associate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for associate

Verb

Against all odds, Nene takes the road less traveled and apologizes.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
From a design-forward city escape to an eco-friendly island retreat (and a uniquely historic getaway coming soon), discover what Patina can offer globe-trotters interested in a transformative way of traveling through life and through the world.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of travel

Verb

Researchers point out that this ability could make maritime simulations more realistic while helping identify weaknesses in operational plans.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
After encountering Baumeister again the following year, Goodyear helped investigators obtain information that led them to identify Baumeister.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of identify

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

Definition of combine

Verb

The scandal surrounding the prosecution was heightened by his father’s attempt to stop his relatives from cooperating with authorities.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Farm Adventures is based in Iredell County and books events in surrounding communities, and officials say the owner has been cooperating with the investigation.

— Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of cooperate

Verb

Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your dog's current food.

— Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
The Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles star is already in the Bravo universe and is going to trade franchises and mix in with the likes of Kyle Richards, Dorit Kemsley, Sutton Stracke, Erika Jayne, Rachel Zoe and Bozoma Saint John.

— Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of mix

Noun

Carlile shared the stage with Parton, and her colleagues in the Highwomen, at the 2019 Newport Folk Festival.

— Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
My colleague Bruce Feldman has been talking up the Wolfpack all offseason, due in large part to stud QB CJ Bailey and RB Duke Scott, who had 947 all-purpose yards as a freshman.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of colleague

Adjective

New features include more classrooms and science labs, an auxiliary gym, changing rooms, collaborative learning spaces and two gender-neutral restrooms.

— Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Hunker Pod options include a more flexible Lagun table, Boxio dry toilet and auxiliary heater.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of auxiliary

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

Definition of connect

Browse Nearby Words

assists

associate

associated

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Associate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/associate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of associate

verb

noun

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes