combine 1 of 2

Definition of combinenext

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

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
His first decision was to write a book that combined personal narrative with a practical guide. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 These provisions combine to make every part of the city’s education spending function like a ratchet. Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
The Ohio State standout drew rave reviews at this year’s combine, one of the best performances for a player of his size this century. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026 The 6-foot-3, 241-pound prospect then erased any doubt by turning in one of the best performances by a tight end in the history of the NFL combine. Idaho Statesman, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • In a different draft class, the Browns would likely be connected to a first-round passer.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Alex Bregman delivered his biggest hit in a Cubs uniform, connecting on a game-tying solo home run off Blake Treinen in the eighth.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Reduce mixer speed to low and with motor running, add dry ingredients and banana mixture in 2 batches each, alternating between batches and mixing 30 seconds after each addition before adding the next.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Stock futures are mixed in pre-market trading.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The administration frames the strikes as necessary ‘armed conflict’ against cartels.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • His associates have unleashed a war over control of the Sinaloa cartel against factions tied to Ismael Zambada, the co-founder of the group who is also awaiting trial in the United States.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That leaves Price a wide-open path to get steady work for an elite team, a dream combination in a Rookie of the Year chase.
    J.J. Bailey, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Instead, the designer recommends trying a combination such as polished nickel paired with warm brass or gold.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • What unites us is this wonder about venturing further into space.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Gross said the prayer was clearly an attempt to show the two churches united, especially in confronting the global conflicts and projecting a message of unity.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Stash extra blankets and pillows in the pull-out drawers, and arrange display books or decor on the shelves integrated into the armrests.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Detroit will still evaluate and integrate its rookie class, just without the additional minicamp that has typically taken place shortly after the draft.
    Bob Tripi, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For one, the Madlanga Commission — set up to investigate whether criminal syndicates and political actors have burrowed into the police, intelligence, and prosecutorial services — is due to submit its interim report at the end of May.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In the mid-1940s, Hans Reinhart, a photographer working with International News Photos (the Hearst syndicate’s old picture service), shot a feature devoted to the subway’s lost and found.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But some experts warn that because of MAHA’s diverse coalition and interests, the recent policies won’t necessarily tamp down some of the issues within the movement.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 26 Apr. 2026
  • With a new, major contemporary art museum, Kanal-Pompidou, due to open in November; a coalition regional government that finally formed after 600 days of deadlock; and a competitive 6 percent VAT on art sales that went into effect at the end of 2025, the moment for that experimentation seems ripe.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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