associate 1 of 3

1
2
as in to identify
to think of (something) in combination she still associates Memorial Day with her long-ago fiancé, who died in Vietnam

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5
as in to mix
to take part in social activities you should try to associate with people your own age

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

associate

2 of 3

noun

associate

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb associate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of associate are combine, connect, join, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," 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 would combine be a good substitute for associate?

The words combine and associate 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 connect a more appropriate choice than associate?

While the synonyms connect and associate are close in meaning, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

Where would join be a reasonable alternative to associate?

In some situations, the words join and associate are roughly equivalent. However, join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

When might link be a better fit than associate?

Although the words link and associate have much in common, 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 associate?

The meanings of relate and associate largely overlap; however, relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

In what contexts can unite take the place of associate?

While in some cases nearly identical to associate, 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 associate
Verb
While some previous studies linked early walking to higher achievement later in life, this study found a correlation between the genes influencing later walking and those associated with higher educational attainment. Kris Ann Valdez, Parents, 21 May 2025 In the video, the mom of one pulled out various items associated with her beauty brand, Rhode, and a series of humorous items. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 21 May 2025
Noun
The state’s community colleges were to offer open-access undergraduate classes, associate degrees for transfer, and vocational training. Edsource, Oc Register, 21 May 2025 This past weekend, rapper and Brown associate HoodyBaby was also arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm with intent for the February 2023 attack. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 21 May 2025
Adjective
Marie-Lynn Nasrallah will serve as co-executive producer, Jennifer Haddad as associate producer, and Joshua Owen as co-associate producer. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 May 2025 The hiring of Jackson comes less than two weeks after the Kings finalized an agreement to make Mike Woodson their associate head coach. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for associate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for associate
Verb
  • Best Amazon Comfortable Shoe and Clothing Deals When traveling on assignment, my first packing priority is always comfortable shoes that can keep up with my busy schedule and not leave me with tired, achy feet at the end of the day.
    Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
  • Meghan and Prince Harry are based in Montecito, California, but have traveled to New York City on several occasions in recent months.
    Stephanie Petit, People.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The release didn't name the woman or identify any suspects in the shooting.
    Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • This evaluation was prompted by issues identified in previous unannounced inspections of BOP facilities, as well as the deaths of two BOP inmates, Robert Hanssen and Frederick Bardell, from colorectal cancer.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • But now Korn are opening for a girl who combines the best of Britney and Korn — a freak off the leash.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2025
  • Cute, kitschy items are a staple of East Asian culture, and Asian discount stores like Miniso and Daiso, which combined have hundreds of locations in the US, sell highly coveted blind box toys for under $5.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Sheriff Martinez already is failing to comply with the California Values Act, SB 54, which, since 2018, prohibits local and state law enforcement from cooperating with federal authorities on most immigration enforcement actions.
    Pedro Rios, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
  • The police arrived at some point, but Ventura wouldn’t cooperate with the officers, Morgan said.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • In one bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Cream and mix the wet ingredients.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
  • Southerners will mix sweet tea with lemonade for an Arnold Palmer or with Kentucky bourbon for hard iced tea.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • But Xu and her colleagues would need far more evidence than just two people in a trial that enrolled a total of eight, so that research remains ongoing.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • For these more serious cases, Soni and his colleagues work closely with the university’s mental-health center and even walk students to a counselor’s door themselves.
    Cornelia Powers, The Atlantic, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • But Monday’s event aims to underscore the commitment of the two partners to working together during an increasingly fraught geopolitical era.
    Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • So, the welfare group amputated her legs and rehabilitated her before sending her halfway across the world in March 2023 to a partner animal welfare organization called Twenty Paws in New York City.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • While some lower-ranking leaders in other parts of the country also have roots in Vietnam, including auxiliary bishops in Atlanta, Georgia, and Orange, California, Pham is the nation’s first Vietnamese American to oversee an entire diocese, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
    Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • Nearby, an auxiliary two-bedroom cottage seals the estate status.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Associate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/associate. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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