join 1 of 2

Definition of joinnext
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as in to enter
to become a member of we're always looking for new people to join our book club

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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join

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb join differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of join are associate, combine, connect, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

When would associate be a good substitute for join?

While the synonyms associate and join are close in meaning, 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 combine a more appropriate choice than join?

The words combine and join 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 could connect be used to replace join?

The meanings of connect and join largely overlap; however, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

Where would link be a reasonable alternative to join?

The synonyms link and join are sometimes interchangeable, but link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

When is it sensible to use relate instead of join?

The words relate and join are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

When can unite be used instead of join?

In some situations, the words unite and join are roughly equivalent. However, unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

the colonies united to form a republic

How does the verb join differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of join are associate, combine, connect, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

When would associate be a good substitute for join?

While the synonyms associate and join are close in meaning, 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 combine a more appropriate choice than join?

The words combine and join 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 could connect be used to replace join?

The meanings of connect and join largely overlap; however, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

Where would link be a reasonable alternative to join?

The synonyms link and join are sometimes interchangeable, but link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

When is it sensible to use relate instead of join?

The words relate and join are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

When can unite be used instead of join?

In some situations, the words unite and join are roughly equivalent. However, 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 join
Verb
Hollander first joined the DGA in 2001 as assistant executive director. Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026 During the show's run, fans were introduced to Stuart and Barry in season 2, while Denise and Bert joined the series later. Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026 Mike Tomlin has officially joined NBC as an analyst and has opened up and discussed some factors that led to his resignation as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike Darnay, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026 Bueckers was a three-time AP All-American at UConn, and Fudd joined that list last season. Schuyler Dixon, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for join
Recent Examples of Synonyms for join
Verb
  • The Ravens’ first pick Thursday was Penn State’s Vega Ioane, a 6-foot-4 and 326-pound guard who is described as a mauler and who vowed that no one is going to touch his quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • For this reason, produce that has been touched by floodwater is no longer considered food-safe and should not be consumed.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • After the game, Bauer returned the favor for those at the Pennsylvania ballpark, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans after entering his name into the Ducks’ record books.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Dallas entered the draft with this being one of the biggest positions of need.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Several of the films are among the most expensive ever made, and all of them combined have grossed more than seven billion dollars.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026
  • All these factors combined lead to more walks.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • At City Hall, Witzburg's team pressed Mayor Brandon Johnson to fire a top advisor for failing to cooperate with a misconduct probe – which the mayor refused to do – and urged him to make public a gift room her investigators were denied access to, which Johnson agreed to do.
    Chris Tye, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • As Ballmer sees it, Sanberg agreed to cooperate in exchange for the league submitting a favorable sentencing letter to Judge Wilson, and thus he shouldn’t be regarded as a credible informant.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Apr. 2026
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
Noun
  • The 13-year-old from Long Island, New York, had been born with ureterovesical junction obstruction, a rare congenital disease, where a blockage between the ureter and bladder causes urine to back up into the kidney.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Lewis and King were coworkers at Taco Casa, a fast food restaurant near the junction of Interstate 30 and East Loop 820 in Fort Worth.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In addition to adjoining Oak Forest, the property is also close to Midlothian, Markham, Tinley Park and Country Club Hills.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • This pedestrian and bike bridge from the River Market to the Riverfront will adjoin the streetcar’s riverfront extension tracks.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Steele is now unlikely to rejoin the Cubs’ rotation until after the July All-Star break, Counsell estimated.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • After the three are released, their relationship deepens amid the challenges of rejoining society on the outside.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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