combine 1 of 2

verb

kəm-ˈbīn How to pronounce combine (audio)
Definition of combinenext
1
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
2
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 How to pronounce combine (audio)
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
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
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
  1. connect
  2. mix
  3. cartel
  4. combination
  5. unite
  6. integrate
  7. syndicate
  8. coalition
Verb
  • What’s been great is that this show connected so quickly.
    — Lynette Rice, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Martin and Fabry connected over a mutual friend in Ibiza two years ago, and instantly bonded.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of connect
Verb
  • The Three-Scales Pattern Rule The photos in this book have taught me immensely about '90s decorating, just like how an image of a living room has inspired me to mix more patterns.
    — Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Despite expansions over the latest six consecutive months through March, new orders have been mixed over the past two years, reflecting expansions in 15 of the past 24 months.
    — Jason Schenker, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of mix
Noun
  • Its efficient transport and export system has been used by cartels to move and ship their goods overseas — the bricks of cocaine hidden in boxes of bananas and other goods that then head to the United States, Europe and the rest of the world.
    — Abel Alvarado, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Many of the artists now topping the charts have come under fierce criticism because their lyrics often paint cartel leaders as Robin Hood-esque figures.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of cartel
Noun
  • Its perfectly melty combination of shea butter, olive butter, and avocado oil seals in moisture and intensely conditions lips, while vitamin C boosts collagen production and subsequent firmness.
    — Sarah Madaus, Allure, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Oz has been criticized for promoting medical treatments not backed by experts, such as using a combination of pregnancy hormones and a 500-calorie diet to spur weight loss.
    — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of combination
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
Definition of unite
Verb
  • Even though bringing an integrating wellness program to the resort blurs the line between a casino and a resort hotel, Barry sees it as a worthwhile.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Some of these markers are neurobiological, such as specialized damage receptors and regions of the brain that integrate those signals with information from other senses.
    — Bob Fischer, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of integrate
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
Definition of syndicate
Noun
  • On the other was an international coalition of right-wing influencers, including Bolsonaro, Musk, and, increasingly, President Donald Trump.
    — Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The protests were organized by a coalition of over 150 groups, including 50501, civil rights organizations, labor unions and advocacy groups.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of coalition

Browse Nearby Words

combinations
combine
combined
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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on combine

Nglish: Translation of combine for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about combine

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