Definition of combinenext
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
For consumers who prefer to combine beauty steps with existing habits, brushing offers another point in the day for cosmetic care. — Advertorial, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 Streamers and broadcasters who used to compete aggressively for exclusive rights are now combining resources. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
Canada is slapping hefty counter-tariffs on farm machinery, such as combine parts, mowing equipment and livestock trailers. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026 During this time of year, his combines and other heavy equipment run constantly. — Michel Martin, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • At that time, the company’s Fisher-Price, Barbie and American Girl brands were struggling to connect with changing consumer tastes and Mattel was reeling from the recent bankruptcy of Toys R Us.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Finally, in the fourth quarter, Skinner connected with speedster Emmanuel Pullins for a 44-yard touchdown and a 21-14 lead before his interception return.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The result is Ba’s Book, which mixes vérité documentary, re-enactments by family members in Vietnam and actors, as well as travelog into a heartfelt family film.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The Empress’s own 1908 Indigo Gin, which changes color depending on what’s mixed in, is absolutely delicious.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Massive stockpiles of methamphetamine smuggled onto the islands by cartels have spurred a widespread addiction crisis, seen as a key driver of an HIV epidemic that Fiji recently declared a national emergency.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Mexico has been plagued by cartel violence that has killed or left missing over half a million people in just a few decades, according to the government's estimates.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The guest rooms are decorated with a combination of Byzantine art and Zen minimalism.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • His incredibly sharp eye for talent coupled with strong instincts and deep relationships are a dynamic combination for artist management.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • By uniting Eastern cultural references, uncompromising craftsmanship, and conscious sustainability, Songmont continues to cultivate a distinct cultural identity and voice on the global stage.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The merger will also unite two of the five biggest Hollywood studios; dozens of television channels; and two of the biggest US TV news divisions, CNN and CBS News.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Operators can integrate new sensing and engagement capabilities as their requirements evolve.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Wiener’s tapestries integrate objects and fragments of her everyday life, among them, cutting boards, old shopping lists, newspapers, cables, and even cucumbers.
    — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Musk’s name is one of a number of wealthy individuals that Paramount CEO David Ellison has considered tapping for the syndicate, the people said.
    — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Semafor said Musk is one of a number of wealthy individuals that Paramount, led by CEO David Ellison, has considered approaching to join a syndicate of equity investors into the company.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The devastating loss of the coast has opened up the path for a change in the Saudis’ intolerance for dissent within the anti-Houthi coalition, however.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The founding mayors lead cities including Atlanta, Jacksonville, Boise, Tulsa and Memphis -- governing more than 7 million Americans across 11 red and purple states, according to a memo for the new coalition.
    — Isabella Murray, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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