combine

[kuhm-bahyn, kom-bahyn, kom-bahyn, kuhm-bahyn, kom-bahyn]

verb (used with object)

combined, combining 

1. to bring into or join in a close union or whole; unite.

   She combined the ingredients to make the cake.

   They combined the two companies.

   Synonyms: amalgamate, compound
   Antonyms: separate

2. to possess or exhibit in union.

   a plan that combines the best features of several other plans.

3. to harvest (grain) with a combine.

verb (used without object)

combined, combining 

1. to unite; coalesce.

   The clay combined with the water to form a thick paste.

   Antonyms: separate

2. to unite for a common purpose; join forces.

   After the two factions combined, they proved invincible.

3. to enter into chemical union.

4. to use a combine in harvesting.

noun

1. a combination.

2. a combination of persons or groups for the furtherance of their political, commercial, or other interests, as a syndicate, cartel, or trust.

   Synonyms: bloc, alignment, monopoly, merger

3. a harvesting machine for cutting and threshing grain in the field.

combine

verb

1. to integrate or cause to be integrated; join together

2. to unite or cause to unite to form a chemical compound

3. agriculture to harvest (crops) with a combine harvester

noun

1. agriculture short for combine harvester

2. an association of enterprises, esp in order to gain a monopoly of a market

3. an association of business corporations, political parties, sporting clubs, etc, for a common purpose

Other Word Forms

• combinability noun
• combiner noun
• combinable adjective
• intercombine verb (used with object)
• noncombining adjective
• precombine verb
• recombine verb
• recombiner noun
• uncombining adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of combine¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English combinen, from Middle French combiner, from Late Latin combīnāre, equivalent to com- com- + -bīnāre, verb derived from bīnī “by twos” ( binary )

Word History and Origins

Origin of combine¹

C15: from Late Latin combīnāre, from Latin com- together + bīnī two by two

Synonym Study

See mix.

Example Sentences

In Titan's intensely cold environment, substances that normally cannot mix are able to combine.

Read more on Science Daily

"Scientists have been trying to understand Earth's original chemical composition by combining the compositions of different groups of meteorites," Nie says.

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"The volatility in regional banks, combined with the recent collapse of subprime lender Tricolor Holdings, has investors questioning the broader health of US credit markets," said National Australia Bank's Rodrigo Catril.

Read more on Barron's

Together, the researchers say, the findings suggest early and combined efforts to boost T-cell activity not only kill tumor cells directly but also induce TLS maturation that sustains and amplifies anti-tumor responses.

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The group also now has 71 strikeouts in 58 ⅓ innings over its nine combined starts.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• associate 
• blend 
• couple 
• fuse 
• incorporate 
• link 
• merge 
• mix 

When To Use

What does combine mean?

To combine means to join two or more things together into a single unit.When things are combined, they form combinations. Less commonly, combine can also be used as a noun to refer to several different things, especially a grain harvester and an event at which athletes showcase their skills.Example: At the draft combine, scouts are looking for a player who combines strength, agility, and intelligence in a single package.