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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to mix

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

The confident and haughty Onegin kills his friend in the duel and flees to travel the world to ruminate.

— Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 23 Jan. 2025
On the Move Magnetic Puzzles are compact and easy to travel with.

— Lanee Lee, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Definition of travel

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Style

“Associate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/associate. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of associate

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noun

adjective

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