connect

verb

kə-ˈnekt How to pronounce connect (audio)
Definition of connectnext
1
as in to integrate
to put or bring together so as to form a new and longer whole connect all the sets of lights and attach them to the branches of the Christmas tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to combine
to come together to form a single unit the two interstate highways connect, so a driver can go from one corner of the state to the other without much trouble

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to associate
to think of (something) in combination opera is popularly connected with high society

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb connect differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of connect are associate, combine, join, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

In what contexts can associate take the place of connect?

The meanings of associate and connect 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

Where would combine be a reasonable alternative to connect?

The words combine and connect 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 is join a more appropriate choice than connect?

The words join and connect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

When can link be used instead of connect?

While in some cases nearly identical to connect, 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 connect?

While the synonyms relate and connect are close in meaning, relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

When might unite be a better fit than connect?

In some situations, the words unite and connect 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 connect These experiences deepen understanding, challenge assumptions, and help students connect Connecticut’s past and present in a more meaningful way. —Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 2026 The two connected when Esor Marie was working on scaling the business and appearing in an NYFW show. —Tara Larson, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026 Previous iterations, which ran in Bangladesh, Cambodia and Indonesia, digitally traced more than 21,000 tons of textile waste and connected over 100 factories and 20 global brands to recycling partners. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026 As a post-production platform for international arthouse projects, First Look connects producers with decision-makers at a crucial stage of financing, sales, and festival positioning. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for connect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for connect
  1. integrate
  2. combine
  3. associate
  4. couple
  5. fuse
  6. identify
  7. interconnect
  8. correlate
Verb
  • Some platforms even integrate with banking apps to categorize wedding spending automatically.
    — Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
  • In service with more than 40 allies and partners, AMRAAM is integrated across fourth and fifth-generation aircraft and serves as the primary interceptor for NASAMS, supporting both air-to-air and ground-based air defense.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of integrate
Verb
  • To extract these materials, the team designed a three-stage process that combines physical, chemical, and biological techniques.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Experts recommend snacks that combine protein, fiber and healthy fats, helping glucose stay within a narrow, steady range for hours.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of combine
Verb
  • Much of it is guilt by association — on the grounds, if nothing else, that elites should have known better than to associate with such a man.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • This is clearly not possible considering the importance of safety concerns associated with nuclear reactors, particularly new and novel designs.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of associate
Verb
  • The actress, also sharing the laughter, glowed in a sleeveless black dress layered with necklaces and bracelets, leaning in with a warm smile — the vibe appeared to be relaxed, romantic and very much coupled up.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Try coupling the seasonal shades with a glossy nude foundation for a refined effect.
    — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of couple
Verb
  • These young stars are literally burning the candle at both ends, furiously fusing their elements into heavier ones.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Without that key step, you can’t be classified as a true star; the presence of those fusion reactions, where hydrogen gets fused into helium, separates stars from all other heavenly bodies.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of fuse
Verb
  • Models require extensive training to enable them to identify everyday objects to interact with, which means that simple tasks like picking up fruit can be challenging in robotics.
    — Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Only one body was identified by a family, while the others were buried on Friday.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of identify
Verb
  • Our distribution chain was interconnected with all the steamboats that carried goods throughout the Chesapeake region and Baltimore’s splendid railroad network.
    — Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Almost 60 per cent of rooms can be interconnected; some have sofa beds.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of interconnect
Verb
  • One of the students in his lab correlated low tick numbers to periods when humidity had dropped below 82%.
    — Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal, 14 Feb. 2026
  • McDonald added there is no reason to believe the suspect’s transition correlates with the shooting.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of correlate

Browse Nearby Words

connatural
connect
connected
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Connect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/connect. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on connect

Nglish: Translation of connect for Spanish Speakers

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