associate 1 of 3

Definition of associatenext
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

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

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 tactics are commonly associated with South American theft groups known for operating across state lines and moving quickly from one community to another. Abby Dodge, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026 Most Americans associate andouille (pronounced ahn-DOO-wee) with Cajun and Creole cuisine, which is apt, because this type of sausage stars in many signature recipes with that culinary heritage. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
Fiapoto is only the latest Tre-4 member to face serious charges in Contra Costa, where five members and associates were sent to prison last year for a series of jewelry robberies, including one that resulted in a homicide in Lafayette. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026 Proponents of the administration's policies, such as Brandy Perez Carbaugh, former research associate at the Border Security and Immigration Center of the Heritage Foundation, said the backlog highlights a need for more scrutiny in reviewing applications. Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Deleon is associate chief medical officer and a pediatric hospitalist at Oklahoma Children’s OU Health where there’s been a steady influx of children admitted for rotavirus over the last two months. Lauren Dunn, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026 Robert Latham, associate director of the University of Miami Law School’s Children and Youth Law Clinic, said any relocation to a new foster home or shelter likely would be traumatic for children who already have suffered uncertainty and loss. Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for associate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for associate
Verb
  • That’s according to a reporter traveling with Vance.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Glover will become the first Black man to travel to deep space, Koch the first woman and Hansen the first non-American.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Additional details were not immediately available, and the homeowner declined to be identified or comment further.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Police identified Delgado-Cordoba as a suspect through his rideshare profile, social media and DNA.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Just as the story mines humor from the collision of old-fashioned ways with a modern frankness, Paul’s score combines the appeal of jaunty golden-age sounds with a freshness that feels present day.
    Naveen Kumar, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
  • This week in Atlanta, work remotely during a DJ set at a cafe, experiment with caviar and street food or get tickets to a supper club combining Korean and Indian flavors.
    Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • At City Hall, Witzburg's team pressed Mayor Brandon Johnson to fire a top advisor for failing to cooperate with a misconduct probe – which the mayor refused to do – and urged him to make public a gift room her investigators were denied access to, which Johnson agreed to do.
    Chris Tye, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • As Ballmer sees it, Sanberg agreed to cooperate in exchange for the league submitting a favorable sentencing letter to Judge Wilson, and thus he shouldn’t be regarded as a credible informant.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Remove pan from heat and mix 1 tsp.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Consumer response has been mixed, but Apple continues to sell boatloads of iPhones, and users are getting plenty of AI options on those devices —just from other companies.
    Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In a follow-up email to ARTnews, Lord and Teng, the gallery’s two managing partners, said that Marian Goodman Gallery was not immune to market forces, much like its colleagues.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Occasionally, his wife, friends, or colleagues lend a hand.
    Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The auxiliary chapter gave Penrod $100 plus postage to spend on the package, and a client of hers gave another $50.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The system is reliable since the spins of the sensor qubit and its auxiliary qubit are entangled.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In a different draft class, the Browns would likely be connected to a first-round passer.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Alex Bregman delivered his biggest hit in a Cubs uniform, connecting on a game-tying solo home run off Blake Treinen in the eighth.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Associate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/associate. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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