associate 1 of 3

1
2
as in to identify
to think of (something) in combination she still associates Memorial Day with her long-ago fiancé, who died in Vietnam

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5
as in to mix
to take part in social activities you should try to associate with people your own age

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

associate

2 of 3

noun

associate

3 of 3

adjective

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

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 associate
Verb
Once kids check out, the hurdles to success get higher, and the emotions associated with clearing them get messier. Jenny Anderson, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025 Canker sores are associated with certain mouth bacteria. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
Sophia Pargas Sophia Pargas is a news associate for NBC News. Sophia Pargas, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025 Keith remains to a large degree elusive, but Magaro subtly gives us insight into what drives his artistry, which is then augmented by Watts’ observations, from a critic’s P.O.V., and those of Manfred, a protective friend and professional associate with a profound respect for Jarrett’s gifts. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Parker was associate dean for Global One Health at Texas A&M University and was head of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) under the Biden administration. Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 12 Feb. 2025 The goal is to help people use more information than just lumping everything into an ultra-processed category, study co-author Michael Sebek, PhD, an associate research scientist at Northeastern University, told Health. Korin Miller, Health, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for associate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for associate
Verb
  • Driving the news: The annual floral attraction that draws more than 250,000 visitors each spring opens Saturday, and has a new traveling art exhibit.
    Kate Murphy, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Rather than carry around a complete sewing kit, tuck a few safety pins into your purse, wallet, or carry-on, safety pins take up zero space, are TSA-approved, and can even come in handy to impress a colleague or traveling partner.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The cuts included about 20 people in the FDA’s office of neurological and physical medicine devices, several of whom worked on Neuralink, according to the two sources, who asked not to be identified because of fear of professional repercussions.
    Rachael Levy and Marisa Taylor, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
  • For the second day of programming, Prada conducted a workshop on how to accurately identify and read data sources and communicate the impacts to the public, attended by delegates from countries including Chile and Turkey.
    Rhonda Richford, WWD, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Dacia Spring Electric 65 combines a 65hp motor and 26.8kWh battery, giving it 140 miles of WLTP range.
    James Morris, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Like the building, the Grande Cuvée combines tradition and modernity to stunning effect: The resulting dram—renowned for its complex layers of flavor and long-lasting finish—can command $1,000 a bottle on the secondary market.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Mills later returned to the hospital with another son and refused to cooperate with law enforcement.
    Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The order to dismiss the charges was issued by Emil Bove III, acting deputy attorney general, who said the prosecution of Adams was politically motivated by Joe Biden’s administration and was hampering Adams’ ability to cooperate with the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
    John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Minutes later, the crowd also jeered Max Verstappen (though a few more cheers for the reigning champ were mixed in).
    Patrick Iversen, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Creators also often mix the DIY Substack vibe with the name-brand professionalism of big-name-media by straddling both worlds.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Unlike so many of his now former colleagues who are 50-plus and still coaching, Brown has no feeling of disgust or disappointment over the radically different world that is college football in 2025.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The left-hander still scored freely but refused to perish prematurely like some of his colleagues.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Mirren, 79, stars as Cara Dutton, the 44-year partner of Jacob Dutton, played by Harrison Ford, 82.
    Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
  • This is a watershed moment for planetary defense and all of humanity, demonstrating commitment from NASA's exceptional team and partners from around the world.
    Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Right-back Kieran Trippier, effectively an auxiliary centre-back, made a two-v-one with Burn, as Fabian Schar went with Foden and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka collected the loose ball.
    Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Youth league games played out on the auxiliary fields directly west of Snapdragon Stadium; to the east, visitors were welcomed by a sea of flags flying over tailgates.
    Kyle Kensing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Associate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/associate. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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