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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

This year, her investigation into Comigo Ninguém Pode (scientifically known as Dieffenbachia), a toxic plant also associated with spiritual protection, lend the Brazilian Pavilion its title. — Tatiane De Assis, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 For example, low magnesium has been associated with the development of metabolic syndrome. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Noun

After stealing a valuable USB drive from a crime family’s son and passing it along, Harry must track it down before the young man’s associates make good on their threats against his wife. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Moderated by Billboard associate editor Jessica Roiz, the conversation brought together Bebeshito, Wow Popy, Helabusador, Rey Tony and DJ Conds at the Faena Theater in Miami Beach. — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 20 Oct. 2026

Adjective

The university said Elizabeth Hall, associate vice chancellor for university compliance, was appointed to serve in both roles in addition to her existing duties. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Of the Daise stick-on, Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman says her amusement with the accessory was short-lived. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for associate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for associate

Verb

Brazil’s machine has traveled mostly on loan to countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

— Solly Boussidan, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Most of the nitrogen used in fertilizer travels through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping channel in the Middle East controlled by Iran.

— Saige Miller, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of travel

Verb

Under Sorrells, morale at the office is bleak and has resulted in an exodus, according to two veteran prosecutors who left the office and spoke on the condition they not be identified.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
About 42% of residents surveyed identified mental health as a top health challenge, and Gaston’s suicide rate also exceeds the state average.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of identify

Verb

On the day of the operation, Thompson called on Acting ICE Director David Venturella to investigate the collision, including by preserving evidence and cooperating with local authorities.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
The witness was not injured and is cooperating with investigators, police said.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of cooperate

Verb

Coffee growing in Ethiopia is dominated by smallholders, whose beans are mixed together and sold on.

— Damian Zane, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Billed as Pokémon Night Out, the show mixed together the creatures from the popular video games and trading cards with the lasers, pyrotechnics and mind-blowing visuals of EDM music.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of mix

Noun

The letter also urges scrutiny of her staff, donors, and colleagues.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
Murray says her own experience has made her more understanding when female colleagues seem more tired or irritable than usual, particularly when the behavior is out of character.

— Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of colleague

Adjective

According to Boeing, the aircraft offers 365 nautical miles more range than competing aircraft without auxiliary fuel tanks.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
The band has also added various auxiliary members for albums and live performances.

— Paul Grein, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of auxiliary

Verb

Madsen connected with Jones for a 6-yard pass on the very first play of the game and didn’t slow down.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
Part of that strategy is to connect with younger consumers, hence a recent partnership with 21-year-old livestreamer iShowSpeed along with innovating with menu items, branding, and store layout.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of connect

Browse Nearby Words

assists

associate

associated

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Associate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/associate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of associate

verb

noun

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

milieu

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes