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

These accomplishments demonstrate how scientific rigor combined with compassionate leadership can transform struggling institutions into thriving centers of excellence.

Read more on Science Daily

By combining these observations, SPO will not only capture images of the poles for the first time but also connect them to the flows of plasma and magnetic energy that shape the heliosphere.

Read more on Science Daily

The combined entity will manage a timberland portfolio exceeding 4 million acres and will operate under a new name.

Read more on Barron's

I was reminded of old-fashioned adventure video games, where one is prompted to look at objects, combine them or go on scavenger hunts, like the one prompted by the puppet I met in an alley.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The project will combine cloud and AI infrastructure with renewable energy systems and an expanded fibre-optic network.

Read more on BBC

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.