coalesce

[koh-uh-les]

verb (used without object)

coalesced, coalescing 

1. to grow together or into one body.

   The two lakes coalesced into one.

   Synonyms: join, combine, unite

2. to unite so as to form one mass, community, etc..

   The various groups coalesced into a crowd.

   Synonyms: merge, blend, fuse, amalgamate, join, combine, unite

3. to blend or come together.

   Their ideas coalesced into one theory.

verb (used with object)

coalesced, coalescing 

1. to cause to unite in one body or mass.

coalesce

/ ˌkəʊəˈlɛs /

verb

1. (intr) to unite or come together in one body or mass; merge; fuse; blend

Other Word Forms

• coalescence noun
• coalescent adjective
• noncoalescence noun
• noncoalescent adjective
• noncoalescing adjective
• uncoalescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of coalesce¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin coalēscere, equivalent to co- co- + al- (stem of alere “to nourish, make grow”) + -escere -esce

Word History and Origins

Origin of coalesce¹

C16: from Latin coalēscere from _co- + alēscere to increase, from alere to nourish

Example Sentences

Economists say Fed officials are coalescing around another rate cut due to continued concern about the health of the jobs market.

Read more on MarketWatch

In the 14 December run-off, voters will have to coalesce around one of these two candidates.

Read more on BBC

Politics quickly coalesced around demands for new or bigger caste-based quotas.

Read more on BBC

After pitching their best ideas—an automated pothole-repair machine, a wearable air purifier for people with allergies—the students coalesced around a winner: a self-inflating-tire product.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It may well give the party a message to coalesce around ahead of the crucial midterm elections next year - and pose a challenge for Republicans to counter.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• consolidate 
• fuse 
• integrate 
• unite