combination
noun
com·bi·na·tion ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən 
often attributive
1
a
: a result or product of combining
Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen.
especially : an alliance of individuals, corporations, or states united to achieve a social, political, or economic end
b
: two or more persons working as a team
Together they are a winning combination.
2
: an ordered sequence: such as
a
: a sequence of letters or numbers chosen in setting a lock
What is the combination to the safe?
also : the mechanism operating or moved by the sequence
b
: a rapid sequence of punches in boxing
c
: any subset of a set considered without regard to order within the subset
3
: any of various one-piece undergarments for the upper and lower parts of the body —usually used in plural
wore combinations in the winter to keep warm
4
: an instrument designed to perform two or more tasks
The tool is a jackknife and bottle opener combination.
5
a
: the act or process of combining
especially : that of uniting to form a chemical compound
The combination of these two chemicals can cause an explosion.
b
: the quality or state of being combined
combinational
ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shnəl
adjective -shə-nᵊl
Synonyms
- admixture
- alloy
- amalgam
- amalgamation
- blend
- cocktail
- composite
- compound
- conflation
- emulsion
- fusion
- intermixture
- meld
- mix
- mixture
- synthesis
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen. The car's interior is available in various color combinations. A combination of factors led to her decision. The milkshakes come in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, or any combination of these. He has the right combination of talent and experience. The combination of these two chemicals can cause an explosion. What is the combination to the safe? See More
Recent Examples on the Web This is exactly the combination of strong economic growth and low inflation that marked President Clinton’s second term. 
James Freeman, WSJ, 15 Sep. 2022 The Gap collection, a combination of gray and black long- and short-sleeve shirts, parkas, bodysuits and more, currently ranges from $60 to more than $300 on the retailer’s site. Omose Ighodaro, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2022 The chews, on Page 217, resemble granola bars and are a delightfully chewy combination of dates and nuts. Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2022 Pickleball is a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton invented in 1965 and already popular in the city. Lee Roop | Lroop@al.com, al, 12 Sep. 2022 The result is a vibrant combination of sweet and salty flavors. Megha Mcswain, Chron, 7 Sep. 2022 White has the flashier role as Stephen and the slippery intensity to back it up, but Van Patten’s combination of insecurity and self-determination makes Lucy the true linchpin of the series. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Sep. 2022 Because of this construction, as well as its larger size, the Victoria could haul men and cargo while remaining stable in the open ocean, a perfect combination for a globe-trotting vessel. Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 6 Sep. 2022 Good music in support of a good cause is always a winning combination. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2022 See More
James Freeman, WSJ, 15 Sep. 2022 The Gap collection, a combination of gray and black long- and short-sleeve shirts, parkas, bodysuits and more, currently ranges from $60 to more than $300 on the retailer’s site. Omose Ighodaro, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2022 The chews, on Page 217, resemble granola bars and are a delightfully chewy combination of dates and nuts. Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2022 Pickleball is a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton invented in 1965 and already popular in the city. Lee Roop | Lroop@al.com, al, 12 Sep. 2022 The result is a vibrant combination of sweet and salty flavors. Megha Mcswain, Chron, 7 Sep. 2022 White has the flashier role as Stephen and the slippery intensity to back it up, but Van Patten’s combination of insecurity and self-determination makes Lucy the true linchpin of the series. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Sep. 2022 Because of this construction, as well as its larger size, the Victoria could haul men and cargo while remaining stable in the open ocean, a perfect combination for a globe-trotting vessel. Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 6 Sep. 2022 Good music in support of a good cause is always a winning combination. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
see combine entry 1
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing combination
Kids Definition
combination
noun
com·bi·na·tion ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən
1
: a result or product of combining or being combined
I succeeded by a combination of hard work and luck.
2
: a series of numbers or letters that is used to open a lock
Legal Definition
combination
noun
com·bi·na·tion
1
a
: an alliance of individuals, states, or especially corporations united to achieve a common (as economic) end see also combination in restraint of trade compare joint venture sense 1, merger
b
: conspiracy
2
: a union of old or new elements or parts that is patentable because it produces a new and useful result compare aggregation sense 2, equivalent
combinations
noun
1
as in mixtures
a distinct entity formed by the combining of two or more different things a victory that was due to a combination of luck and planning Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- mixtures
- mixes
- blends
- amalgamations
- alloys
- amalgams
- compounds
- fusions
- composites
- assortments
- syntheses
- cocktails
- admixtures
- intermixtures
- emulsions
- conflations
- melds
- mélanges
- absorptions
- varieties
- integrations
- mergers
- incorporations
- medleys
- hodgepodges
- homogenizations
- coalescences
- aggregations
- patchworks
- hashes
- mishmashes
- accumulations
- coalitions
- composts
- concretions
- commixtures
- mergences
- potpourris
- conglomerations
- interfusions
- hotchpotches
- half-and-halfs
- jumbles
- immixtures
- motleys
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- elements
- components
- ingredients
- constituents
2
as in mergers
the act or an instance of joining two or more things into one the combination of mint and chocolate in a delicious dessert Synonyms & Similar Words
- mergers
- consolidations
- unifications
- mixtures
- amalgamations
- couplings
- blends
- mixes
- connections
- unions
- fusions
- syntheses
- junctions
- agglomerations
- intermixtures
- reunifications
- coalescences
- reunions
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- divisions
- partitions
- splits
- dissolutions
- disconnections
- breakups
- partings
- separations
- schisms
- scissions
- detachments
- severances
- disunions
- divorcements
3
as in cartels
a number of businesses or enterprises united for commercial advantage the companies formed a combination in an attempt to establish a monopoly in the rubber market Synonyms & Similar Words
- cartels
- syndicates
- partnerships
- conglomerates
- associations
- combines
- chains
- unions
- organizations
- trusts
- multinationals
- guilds
- pools
- megacorporations
- gilds
4
as in alliances
an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection a combination of citizens dedicated to fighting higher property taxes Synonyms & Similar Words
- alliances
- coalitions
- confederacies
- partnerships
- federations
- unions
- leagues
- combines
- groups
- axes
- blocs
- associations
- organizations
- blocks
- confederations
- fusions
- factions
- conspiracies
- wings
- sides
- affiliations
- fronts
- cartels
- cabals
- cooperatives
- syndicates
- trusts
- circuits
- conferences
- juntos