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
At least half of the Yankees’ regular lineup is using them as Jazz Chisholm Jr, Anthony Volpe, Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt and Austin Wells combined for nine of the 15 homers. Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The grand sky view, combined with the spectacular night sky without the glow of urban lights, makes this a perfect location to gaze at the Milky Way or enjoy the mystery of the desert washed in the glow of moonlight. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 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
  • What’s been great is that this show connected so quickly.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In his view, this can offer a better way to increase buy-in and engagement, and can be more rewarding as well for leaders who can connect to employees but still maintain boundaries.
    Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 9 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
  • Every slow start means a player is cooked, not ready or some combination of both.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Imagine what the Adebayo/Ware combination could be offensively if the Heat had a frontline natural point guard or another more consistent floor-spacer to supplement Herro.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 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
  • Then the hope is that over time the company starts integrating that into their work and the performance in an unselfconscious way.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The program had been mandated by Congress, yet Homeland Security’s top lawyer was saying it could be investigated under a law reserved for organized crime syndicates.
    J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 8 Apr. 2025
  • During the season, Roscoe and her boss, Oscar Finlay (Malcolm Goodwin), team with Reacher to solve the mystery behind the murder of Reacher’s brother and uncover a counterfeiting syndicate involving corrupt local officials.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Netanyahu is facing pressure at home from former Israeli security chiefs, protesters and the families of hostages still held in Gaza to return to ceasefire negotiations, which his far-right coalition has resisted.
    Aya Batrawy, NPR, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Despite Trump’s justification for his tariffs, the president’s trade war is putting some of his high-profile allies on edge – from Elon Musk to Joe Rogan to Dave Portnoy – exposing cracks in his coalition.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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