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 next

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

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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

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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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to mix

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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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

First United American Companies, a group associated with Jones, submitted a bid of $3.5 million for Infowars. —

Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024 Thought to have been founded during the reign of Pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus in the 3rd century B.C., the temple was dedicated to Osiris—a deity in the ancient Egyptian pantheon associated with the afterlife, death and rebirth. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Noun

Now, Juliette works as an associate at Quinn Emanuel, a business litigation firm, per her LinkedIn. —

Emy Lacroix, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024 Harcourt-Smith, who works as a research associate in paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History, said the researchers’ analysis was sound and that the site was unique. —

Evan Bush, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024

Adjective

Erin Johnson is the associate shopping director at PEOPLE with over 9 years of experience in media. —

L.a. Hubilla, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024 Halima Kazem-Stojanovic, Ph.D., is the associate director of the Feminist, Gender, Sexuality studies program at Stanford University. —

Alana Wise, NPR, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for associate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for associate

Verb

The pair share an inextricable bond, tied by a dark secret, even as Sula leaves to travel the country.

Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
Initially a two-vehicle crash occurred, then one of the drivers got out of his vehicle to talk with the other driver when he was struck by vehicle traveling at highway speeds, authorities said.

Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024

Definition of travel

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Style

“Associate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/associate. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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Last Updated: 21 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of associate

verb

noun

adjective

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Thesaurus Entries Near associate

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