consolidate
Americanverb (used with object)
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to bring together (separate parts) into a single or unified whole; unite; combine.
They consolidated their three companies.
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to discard the unused or unwanted items of and organize the remaining.
She consolidated her home library.
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to make solid or firm; solidify; strengthen.
to consolidate gains.
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Military. to strengthen by rearranging the position of ground combat troops after a successful attack.
verb (used without object)
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to unite or combine.
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to become solid or firm.
adjective
verb
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to form or cause to form into a solid mass or whole; unite or be united
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to make or become stronger or more stable
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military to strengthen or improve one's control over (a situation, force, newly captured area, etc)
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.
The acquisition is expected to trigger substantial layoffs and other cost-cuts as the new owners consolidate two legendary studios and TV operations, including dozens of cable channels.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
In a recent essay in the Journal of Democracy, Mr. Shah of McDaniel College outlines the field marshal’s actions that have helped consolidate military dominance.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026
The commission’s package, which now moves to the European Parliament, would consolidate analogous authority within the Paris-based European Securities and Markets Authority.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 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
There’s nothing to affirm a tribal identity, or consolidate power around a leader, like having an Other to denounce.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
