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Synonyms

consolidate

American  
[kuhn-sol-i-deyt] / kənˈsɒl ɪˌdeɪt /

verb (used with object)

consolidated, consolidating
  1. to bring together (separate parts) into a single or unified whole; unite; combine.

    They consolidated their three companies.

  2. to discard the unused or unwanted items of and organize the remaining.

    She consolidated her home library.

  3. to make solid or firm; solidify; strengthen.

    to consolidate gains.

  4. Military. to strengthen by rearranging the position of ground combat troops after a successful attack.


verb (used without object)

consolidated, consolidating
  1. to unite or combine.

  2. to become solid or firm.

adjective

  1. consolidated.

consolidate British  
/ kənˈsɒlɪˌdeɪt /

verb

  1. to form or cause to form into a solid mass or whole; unite or be united

  2. to make or become stronger or more stable

  3. military to strengthen or improve one's control over (a situation, force, newly captured area, etc)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • consolidator noun
  • preconsolidate verb
  • reconsolidate verb
  • unconsolidating adjective

Etymology

Origin of consolidate

First recorded in 1505–15; from Latin consolidātus “made solid,” past participle of consolidāre “to make solid,” equivalent to con- + solid + -ate 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It has since continued to consolidate its business.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

In a move to cut costs and drive efficiencies, Volvo and Polestar have also agreed on a plan to consolidate production of the Polestar 3 model at Volvo’s Charleston, S.C. plant in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

To preserve their access to these plans parent borrowers need to consolidate their loans and make at least one payment under an income-driven plan before the deadline.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

Alibaba formed a new AI unit, Alibaba Token Hub, led by CEO Eddie Wu, to consolidate its AI businesses and revive optimism.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

The chief task facing the next several generations was to consolidate control of the North American continent.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis