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
The study is the first to map out all the potential benefits and risks associated with this class of medications. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025 While this rule of thumb is a bedrock of financial well-being, the ever-changing landscape surrounding retirement and the financial implications associated with preparing for this exciting stage of life can often be intimidating and potentially hazardous to navigate alone. Alex Hunter, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
An East Bay tech consultant and associate of Lee was found guilty last month of his murder. Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2025 In recent years, Claire worked as a Globe associate and senior research fellow for early modern music at the Globe Theatre and a creative associate at the Old Vic Theatre in London, BBC News reported. Escher Walcott, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Nidhi Sharma Nidhi Sharma is an associate producer with the NBC News Climate Unit. Nidhi Sharma, NBC News, 21 Jan. 2025 In: Donald Trump Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Lucia Suarez Sang Lucia Suarez Sang is an associate managing editor at CBSNews.com. Lucia Suarez Sang, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for associate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for associate
Verb
  • Many European athletes decided to stay home because of the Russo-Japanese War, as well as the effort and expense required to travel to the United States.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Meanwhile, while the Heat traveled to Milwaukee on Wednesday night, Butler attended a social event, showing up unexpectedly to the Reserve Cup draft and dinner hosted by Moncayo Ocean Club at a private residence in Miami.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The report identifies a diversification in the strains of medical cannabis dispensed throughout 2024.
    Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • CEOs, ministers, and heads of international organizations harnessed the power of public-private partnerships and gathered to discuss the barriers to connectivity and identify scalable solutions.
    Hans Vestberg, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The feature also combined headlines from The New York Times into a November notification that falsely said that Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been arrested, according to a ProPublica reporter’s post on social media.
    Kif Leswing, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The watch is a masterful interpretation of the snake's characteristics, combining artistic craftsmanship with technical precision.
    Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In November, the Chicago Public Schools' Board of Education passed a resolution stating that schools would not cooperate with ICE in enforcing immigration laws.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Lawmakers from both parties, who passed the law in April, fear TikTok could cooperate with the Chinese government to use the app for spying or nefarious data collection.
    Bobby Allyn, NPR, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The series’ narrative mixes intense crime-solving with emotional depth, exploring themes of gender equality, resilience, and solidarity among women.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Her home takes its cues from Milan design, mixing vintage and artisanal pieces, a style Elsesser has been drawn to since her many travels to Italy’s fashion capital.
    David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • My colleague Joe Reid has also chosen to shepherd one particular GoFundMe to completion.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Our colleagues Sergio Hernández and Nat Lash began digging into the older datasets, turning them into a searchable format.
    Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Ann is experiencing restlessness over her relationship to Clare, her partner in life and the retreat, as well as inner turbulence over her absented son.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Morrison Foerster has announced the arrival of Richard Nugent as a partner in the firm’s global Tax Group, based in the New York office.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Historically, the Division I athletic programs in Virginia have been heavily dependent on tuition auxiliary fees.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images Organizers set up auxiliary seating outside the main room, a grand colonnaded hall decorated with topiaries and subtle lighting.
    Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near associate

Cite this Entry

“Associate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/associate. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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