join 1 of 2

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as in to enter
to become a member of we're always looking for new people to join our book club

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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join

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb join differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of join are associate, combine, connect, link, relate, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

When would associate be a good substitute for join?

While the synonyms associate and join are close in meaning, associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation.

opera is popularly associated with high society

When is combine a more appropriate choice than join?

The words combine and join can be used in similar contexts, but combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

combined jazz and rock to create a new music

When could connect be used to replace join?

The meanings of connect and join largely overlap; however, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

Where would link be a reasonable alternative to join?

The synonyms link and join are sometimes interchangeable, but link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

When is it sensible to use relate instead of join?

The words relate and join are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

When can unite be used instead of join?

In some situations, the words unite and join are roughly equivalent. However, unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

the colonies united to form a republic

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of join
Verb
The German model joined the show in 2013 and judged on Seasons 8-13. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 27 May 2025 Founded in 2021 by Zainab Sanusi, Mbaye joined the British brand as co-founder soon after, before moving to New York. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 27 May 2025 Elle has no relation to a third film in the franchise (following the 2003 sequel Red, White & Blonde), which has been in development since 2018, with Mindy Kaling joining as a screenwriter in 2020. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 16 May 2025 Not much of a surprise since Bondi, before joining Team Trump, was a lobbyist in a firm charging Qatar $115,000 per month to represent that country’s interests in Washington. Chris Brennan, USA Today, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for join
Recent Examples of Synonyms for join
Verb
  • Tesla’s Amsterdam video shows the driver’s hands underneath but not touching the car’s steering wheel.
    Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Spot treating stains using bleach on white clothes should be done slowly, making sure the bleach is only touching the stain and not seeping through the fabric, or to other areas of the garment.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • After South Dakota State’s FCS playoff run ended in the semifinals, Gronowski considered entering the NFL Draft and was invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl, but his injury was severe enough to require surgery and put his NFL plans on hold.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Jin’s Echo enters at No. 2 with 35,000 sold, garnering the singer his second effort to reach the top three.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Recognizing this reality, Mexico has developed an innovative consular model that combines diplomacy, a humanitarian approach and direct action for the benefit of its population abroad.
    Alicia G Kerber Palma, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
  • Photo by Eric Lucero Most Popular Denver’s Inside Stories combines the capabilities of a large design firm with the hands-on approach of a smaller studio, giving clients the best of both worlds.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Sheriff Martinez already is failing to comply with the California Values Act, SB 54, which, since 2018, prohibits local and state law enforcement from cooperating with federal authorities on most immigration enforcement actions.
    Pedro Rios, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
  • The police arrived at some point, but Ventura wouldn’t cooperate with the officers, Morgan said.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • To connect with Chuanrui and learn more about his journey, follow him on LinkedIn.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 28 May 2025
  • No arrests have been made and police are seeking information connected with the shooting.
    John Wawrow, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Eagar residents located south of State Route 260 between River Road and the SR 260/U.S. 180 junction — directly east of the fire — were included in the evacuation area.
    Julie Mendes, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • The 100-acre complex, located at the junction of Interstates 355 and 80 next to Silver Cross Hospital, features nine full-size baseball fields, 22 youth baseball and softball fields, and 11 multipurpose fields that can accommodate soccer, lacrosse and football, according to the complex’s website.
    Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Being Italian, the designers made sure to emphasize a four-season dining area adjoining the cockpit that can be left open for alfresco dining or enclosed in chillier weather.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 28 May 2025
  • Benedict, the Pope emeritus, took a role in the ceremony; some half million devotees of the two sainted Popes filled the piazza and the streets adjoining the Vatican.
    Paul Elie, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Graham, who has long been rumored to rejoin his team in some capacity, will also join the fold to help guide the Eagles' young and dangerous defense.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • Reilly rejoined the company in 2024, and will oversee marketing and communications functions for both Crocs and HEYDUDE brands.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Join.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/join. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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