ASSOCIATE Synonyms: 233 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

associate 1 of 3

verb

ə-ˈsō-shē-ˌāt

Definition of associate next

as in to travel

to come or be together as friends a socially ambitious couple who joined the country club in order to associate with the right sort of people

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Relevance

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as in to identify

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

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as in to combine

to come together to form a single unit the elements hydrogen and oxygen associate to form molecules of water

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as in to cooperate

to form or enter into an association that furthers the interests of its members nations deciding to associate in order to remove trade barriers

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as in to mix

to take part in social activities you should try to associate with people your own age

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associate

2 of 3

noun

ə-ˈsō-shē-ət

as in colleague

a person frequently seen in the company of another a number of his associates were members of organized crime, so he was a person of interest to the FBI

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in partner

a fellow worker my associates at the office

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associate

3 of 3

adjective

as in auxiliary

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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

Working dog breeds, such as doberman pinschers, cocker spaniels and rottweilers, are typically associated with tail docking. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 Advertisement Also presented as evidence was a partial license plate number written on one of the victim’s hands associated with Misch. —

Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024

Noun

Before being elected mayor, Rhodes-Conway was a senior associate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center on Wisconsin Strategy — a progressive think tank — and was the managing director of the university's Mayors Innovation Project. —

Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024 Dickey and his associates have been involved in cases in over half of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania, including in federal court. —

Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Marina Kopf Marina Kopf is an associate producer with the NBC News Health and Medical Unit. —

Aria Bendix, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024 The Sun Sentinel reached out to nearly a dozen associate medical examiners who performed the South Florida autopsies. —

Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for associate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for associate

Verb

According to the warrant affidavit supporting Bellamy’s arrest, a state trooper tried pulling over the driver of a dark sedan that was traveling on Route 34 toward the I-95 connector on Dec. 26, 2022.

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 24 Dec. 2024
And favorable winds blew west across the Atlantic Ocean when the insects likely traveled.

Danielle Hall, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024

Definition of travel

Cite this Entry

Style

“Associate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/associate. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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Last Updated: 28 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of associate

verb

noun

adjective

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