combine 1 of 2

verb

kəm-ˈbīn How to pronounce combine (audio)
Definition of combinenext
1
as in to connect
to come together to form a single unit the room's highly varied design elements combine to form a harmonious whole

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to mix
to turn into a single mass or entity that is more or less the same throughout combine the sugar and flour in a bowl

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

combine

2 of 2

noun

ˈkäm-ˌbīn How to pronounce combine (audio)
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
as in combination
an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection one of the most notorious combines in the history of organized crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Minnesota recruit Nate O’Donnell and Alberico combined for the shutout, striking out eight. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025 Yes, that’s a lot of cask finishes to combine in one whiskey, something that could easily go overboard as flavors collide or get muddled in the process. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 June 2025
Noun
But ultimately, Powell declared for the NBA Draft — and after testing as one of the most athletic prospects at the combine, opted to officially go pro. —The Athletic College Basketball, New York Times, 29 May 2025 This synergy fosters a more dynamic and creative work environment where human intuition and emotional intelligence combine with AI’s analytical prowess to generate novel solutions and insights. —Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
  1. connect
  2. mix
  3. cartel
  4. combination
  5. unite
  6. integrate
  7. syndicate
  8. coalition
Verb
  • What about you? Brody: Kristen Bell and I are connected in a few ways.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • The protocol for selection has varied, sometimes rotating across multiple brothers of the same generation or jumping across family trees to cousins, but always theoretically connecting back to the same common ancestor: Jimmu.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025
Definition of connect
Verb
  • While the 10-year-old Kindred is an irreverent cocktail bar with a heavy metal soundtrack and Mothership mixes tropical drinks in a space-y, far out atmosphere, Vulture is decidedly more grown-up.
    — Candice Woo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025
  • Week in Review Asian equities were mixed overnight as Korea and Taiwan outperformed while Mainland China’s STAR Board and India underperformed.
    — Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Definition of mix
Noun
  • According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the pair allegedly provided material support to the Jalisco New Generation cartel.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
  • Fernandez was sentenced to life in prison over his role in a 2000 shooting that killed two members of a Mexican drug cartel who traveled to New York to collect a debt from a drug ringleader.
    — Ella Lee, The Hill, 28 May 2025
Definition of cartel
Noun
  • As Oakmont continued to firm up on Friday, only three players managed to remain under par as the combination of Oakmont’s greens, and a brutal USGA setup featuring rough over five inches long gave the best players in the world fits.
    — Mike Fore, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Hammerhead worms can also be sprayed with a combination of citrus oil (like orange essence) and vinegar, the Texas Invasive Species Institute states.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 14 June 2025
Definition of combination
Verb
  • The One, Big, Beautiful Bill directly undermines some of the actions Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency have taken since the two united.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • The shapes differ from column to column, but unite to form a cohesive visual whole.
    — Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of unite
Verb
  • Your broader focus should be on integrating systems in a seamless way that can evolve over time, as needed.
    — Swapna Sathyan, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Unlike Yang’s other concepts (Baku is a high-end Japanese restaurant while Yama offers a more casual setting with hibachi, sushi and bento boxes), Sora focuses on French cuisine, with Asian influences integrated throughout each course.
    — Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 5 June 2025
Definition of integrate
Noun
  • Gemini: Francis Fratelli Francis is the quick-witted and sly son of Mama Fratelli, the matriarch of Astoria’s infamous syndicate.
    — Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • The Director also happens to be the bloody mama of the secret crime syndicate the Ruska Roma—the very organization whose clutches John Wick is seeking to escape.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 June 2025
Definition of syndicate
Noun
  • Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners would likely have vetoed such a move.
    — Eugenia Yosef, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
  • The coalition’s premise is that homes built on smaller lots will be less expensive than a traditional single-family home on a large lot.
    — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Definition of coalition

Browse Nearby Words

combinations
combine
combined
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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on combine

Nglish: Translation of combine for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about combine

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