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
Becky Fatemi, executive partner at United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, says buyers are increasingly looking for homes that combine architectural pedigree with modern updates that offer a turnkey experience. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2026 Each livestream will combine real-time observation with educational and cultural context, helping viewers understand the animals, ecosystems and human communities connected to these journeys. Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
Rosters were filled for the Summit Bowl after a combine June 6. Cal Phillips july 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026 Lowrance hit it off with the Dodgers’ front office in June at the draft combine in Phoenix. Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • The phone then stopped connecting to the cellular network, possibly turned off or disabled, the affidavit said.
    Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Mitchell was stuck at 19 points late in the fourth quarter before Clark connected with her on a backdoor pass for a layup to keep her streak alive.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Shelton cruised from there, mixing his primary weapons in with athletic defense that garnered big reactions from the Montreal crowd and deflated Nakashima even more.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Ogbonnaya, who performs under his first name, will be on the bill; so will No-Fi RPM, a live-mixing series that Curran and Farlee run with collaborators Estevan Medina, Dillon Kelley and Patrick Mitchell.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • San Jose extradited one of Costa Rica's top drug traffickers and a fellow cartel member to the United States on Thursday to stand trial in federal court, authorities said.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In Ecuador, local criminal gangs allied with Colombian and Mexican cartels manage the routes and ship the narcotics, 80% of which originate in Colombia and the rest in Peru.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Somehow, the brand has created a boutique feeling in a resort setting, and there’s no better combination in my eyes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Lagerberg Hoen projects as a middle-six winger due to his great combination of traits, and if healthy, there’s intriguing upside to be a legit scorer.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The country’s writers and directors unions, top screen bodies and several film festivals have united to form a coalition of 50 organizations urging Mark Carney‘s Liberal Party government to stand firm on streaming contributions.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The sitting governor campaigned with Crowley in the final sprint to the primary as the party scrambled to unite around an alternative to Hong.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The system is integrated with the car’s electronic architecture, allowing the ESP, ABS and traction-control systems to continuously adjust their operating thresholds.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Cleora is instead testing whether autonomous construction systems can be integrated into a functioning community while maintaining architectural variety and controlling costs.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • No, this a league run by an elite, backroom syndicate where real power-brokers hatch blockbuster moves long before any transaction window officially opens.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Informal mining is a deep problem in South Africa and is connected to criminal syndicates, according to authorities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The restoration runs through a coalition of four local groups, the oldest founded 26 years ago.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • There have been additional contributions to the coalition since then, which will be reported in September.
    Bob Woods, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on combine

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster