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
Some varieties combine wheat with plant proteins to increase their protein content, while others are made primarily from legumes such as chickpeas or lentils. Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2026 Majestic Disorder Travels recently introduced an Egypt itinerary combining the Pyramids with visits to weaving and pottery studios; a 2027 Brazil trip will focus on the food, music, and textiles of the coastal cities of Guarujá and Santos. Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
Roger Deakins’ striking cinematography and Skip Lievsay’s chilling sound design combine to create a persistent atmosphere of dread and despair unlike anything else in the Coens’ filmography. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 Tyquan Thornton Tyquan Thornton is not only known for being a speedster, with one of the fastest combine times in history, but a class clown as well. Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combine
Verb
  • Purcell played just three quarters for Maine South (1-1), connecting on his first 11 passes.
    Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Goodyear blimps flying high Part of the Goodyear Forward strategy is to increase focus on marketing and advertising to connect with customers to reinforce the brand.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Consider your dishwasher’s caddy size and layout; mix handle directions or use an upper rack for knives.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026
  • By taking stem cells from a host’s own body and encouraging them to differentiate before mixing them with a commercially available, soluble matrix gel, researchers may have cracked the most critical problems in the transplant process.
    Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In parts of Mexico farther from the US border, cartels have used drones to drop explosives in deadly attacks.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Mexico Government Smuggling gasoline and diesel from the United States into Mexico and reselling it tax-free is a huge money-maker for organized crime gangs, including drug cartels.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • No need to worry about adding structure to your outfit; the combination of baggy jeans and the sharpness of your heels will naturally create a balanced uniform.
    India Roby, Glamour, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Recently reported results indicate that the personalized medication, taken in combination with the immunotherapy Keytruda, met its main goal, reducing the chances of the cancer coming back within five years of the initial treatment by 49%.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Steinem herself then appears at the very end for a scene that unites all the versions of herself together.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The one thing that seems to unite the left and the right nowadays is populist economics.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of deploying its full humanoid robot, Phoenix, Sanctuary is now focusing on a hardware-agnostic approach, integrating its AI into existing industrial robots.
    John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Together, the three companies will assess whether advanced nuclear reactors can be safely and competitively integrated into floating infrastructure.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Complex investigations to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates can require advanced equipment, Casey Rayborn Hicks, a spokesperson for the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, wrote in a statement.
    Aneri Pattani — KFF Health News, STAT, 27 Aug. 2026
  • When he's appointed interim sheriff of a tiny Minnesota town, Ulysses Richardson intervenes in a botched bank robbery, discovering a stash of gold and heavy weapons that belong to a Yakuza crime syndicate.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The changes are detailed in a press release from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who led a coalition of 50 states and territories and the District of Columbia that settled with Meta.
    Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
  • More than symbolic Supporters of the bill — which include a statewide coalition of Jewish community and advocacy organizations — say the distinction is more than symbolic.
    Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combine. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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