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

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
The two starting pitchers allowed 11 baserunners in their seven-inning duel while combining to strike out 17. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 19 May 2026 While there’s no harm in combining these ingredients, excessive consumption may lead to side effects. Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 19 May 2026
Noun
The combine ends, and free agency detonates. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2026 Murphy, meanwhile, felt the combine was big for uncommitted players like Durkin. Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • In addition to food and beverage programming, this year’s edition will also incorporate art, literature, music, fashion, photography, craftsmanship, wellness, sustainability and technology, reflecting the many ways gastronomy connects with broader creative disciplines.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • The Bose Smart Soundbar ($549) connects to the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds ($299) for immersive, surround-sound-like audio.
    Christian de Looper, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • On paper, certain design elements shouldn’t make sense, like the vine wallpaper mixed with cloth foliage fabric wall coverings, or the houndstooth wallpaper in a bathroom that’s already an alchemy of half a dozen different tile patterns.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
  • In the third, mix the cornmeal and breadcrumbs.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Cabrera fled her small town Friday after years of mounting cartel violence in Tula.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 May 2026
  • And then with this new administration and new focus on the Mexican cartels, superseding indictment was handed down just in March where this scheme and the people who own this shop were involved in aiding terrorism because these cartels have been designated as foreign terrorists.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • The blowout was a combination of the Pistons’ offensive deficiencies catching up with them their defensive intensity disappearing.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • Nowhere is this truer than in Russia, a nation marked by a long history of political repression alongside extraordinary literary brilliance, a rare and uneasy combination.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Alasdair McLellan shot the portraits and a series of trailers that portray Jung Kook as a modern icon embodying the freedom of the open road, uniting fashion and entertainment to create an immersive world that balances his larger-than-life impact with Calvin Klein’s point of view.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
  • Moulin has just returned from London, where President Charles de Gaulle is in hiding, with a plan to unite the various factions of the warring rebel underground.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Either way, Czernowin forges a logic that integrates disparate, unpredictable events.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Those tests collected data that are being integrated into the SkyFall mission team's design specifications, according to the same statement.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • Their respective drives – vengeance for her, justice for him – build toward a final confrontation with the syndicate.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 May 2026
  • The largest Mafia trial in Italian history targeted the Ndrangheta, the massive Calabrian syndicate that's been operating since the 19th century, with tentacles reaching into the upper echelon of business and government.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Dakota tried unsuccessfully to pursue both market-rate and affordable housing, with a coalition of investors never coming together.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • The coalition of unions representing roughly 3,500 Long Island Rail Road workers accused Lieber and MTA leadership of forcing a shutdown by refusing to agree to wage increases after years without raises amid rising living costs.
    Gabriella Rudy, NBC news, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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