COMBINE Synonyms: 135 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

combine 1 of 2

verb

kəm-ˈbīn

Definition of combine

as in to connect

to come together to form a single unit the room's highly varied design elements combine to form a harmonious whole

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to mix

to turn into a single mass or entity that is more or less the same throughout combine the sugar and flour in a bowl

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

combine

2 of 2

noun

ˈkäm-ˌbīn

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

as in combination

an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection one of the most notorious combines in the history of organized crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Jaque Silva | Nurphoto | Getty Images Meanwhile, the longer WBD and Paramount wait to combine their streaming services, the more lead time competitors may have to outpace them individually. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 Miami Springs Middle, set to be combined with Miami Springs Senior to become a 6-12 school. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Noun

If this were a common experience in our lives, then shining a single color of light through a piece of glass or reflecting it from a surface might cause photons to divide or combine. — Chris Lee, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2026 Illinois farmers now have the right to repair their own tractors, combines and spreaders. — Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine

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

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

In parts of Mexico farther from the US border, cartels have used drones to drop explosives in deadly attacks.

— Reuters, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Mexico Government Smuggling gasoline and diesel from the United States into Mexico and reselling it tax-free is a huge money-maker for organized crime gangs, including drug cartels.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of cartel

Noun

No need to worry about adding structure to your outfit; the combination of baggy jeans and the sharpness of your heels will naturally create a balanced uniform.

— India Roby, Glamour, 31 Aug. 2026
Recently reported results indicate that the personalized medication, taken in combination with the immunotherapy Keytruda, met its main goal, reducing the chances of the cancer coming back within five years of the initial treatment by 49%.

— Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of combination

Verb

Data center backlash is also uniting people from across the political spectrum ahead of the midterm elections.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
At home several center-right parties initially declined to join his coalition, illustrating the challenge of uniting the broader Brazilian right behind his candidacy.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of unite

Verb

Instead of deploying its full humanoid robot, Phoenix, Sanctuary is now focusing on a hardware-agnostic approach, integrating its AI into existing industrial robots.

— John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Together, the three companies will assess whether advanced nuclear reactors can be safely and competitively integrated into floating infrastructure.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of integrate

Noun

When he's appointed interim sheriff of a tiny Minnesota town, Ulysses Richardson intervenes in a botched bank robbery, discovering a stash of gold and heavy weapons that belong to a Yakuza crime syndicate.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
No, this a league run by an elite, backroom syndicate where real power-brokers hatch blockbuster moves long before any transaction window officially opens.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of syndicate

Noun

The changes are detailed in a press release from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who led a coalition of 50 states and territories and the District of Columbia that settled with Meta.

— Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
More than symbolic Supporters of the bill — which include a statewide coalition of Jewish community and advocacy organizations — say the distinction is more than symbolic.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of coalition

Browse Nearby Words

combinations

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combined

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

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Synonyms of combine

verb

noun

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