What does "combination" mean?
The act of combining, the state of being combined or the result of combining.
Combination
/ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃən/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of combining, the state of being combined or the result of combining.
- Grammar: combination is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: accompaniment, accord, accordance, addition.
- Useful contrasts: breakup process, disassociation, disunion.
- Usage evidence: Steak and red wine make a good combination.
How to use "combination"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "combination" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "combination" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "combination" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "combination" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "combination" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accompaniment" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "combination", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of combining, the state of being combined or the result of combining. countable, uncountable
"combinations of colors"
- 2 the act of combining things to form a new whole wordnet
- 3 An object formed by combining. countable, uncountable
"The chef experimented with new flavor combinations."
- 4 the act of arranging elements into specified groups without regard to order wordnet
- 5 A sequence of numbers or letters used to open a combination lock. countable, uncountable
"The combination to their safe was the date of birth of their first child."
Show 12 more definitions
- 6 a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities wordnet
- 7 One or more elements selected from a set without regard to the order of selection. countable, uncountable
- 8 an alliance of people or corporations or countries for a special purpose (formerly to achieve some antisocial end but now for general political or economic purposes) wordnet
- 9 An association or alliance of people for some common purpose. countable, uncountable
- 10 a group of people (often temporary) having a common purpose wordnet
- 11 A shot where the cue ball hits a ball that strikes another ball on the table. countable, uncountable
- 12 a sequence of numbers or letters that opens a combination lock wordnet
- 13 A motorcycle and sidecar. countable, uncountable
- 14 a coordinated sequence of chess moves wordnet
- 15 A rapid sequence of punches or strikes in boxing or other combat sports. countable, uncountable
- 16 An advantageous sequence of forcing or nearly forcing moves, often initiated with a sacrifice. countable, uncountable
- 17 Synonym of combinations (A one-piece suit of underwear). countable, uncountable
Antonyms
Example
"Steak and red wine make a good combination."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "combination"?
Common synonyms include: accompaniment, accord, accordance, addition, adjunct, admixture.
How do you use "combination" in a sentence?
Steak and red wine make a good combination.
How do you pronounce "combination"?
Pronounced /ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃən/.
Etymology
PIE word *dwóh₁ From Middle English combinacioun, combynacyoun, from Old French combination, from Late Latin combīnātiō. Morphologically combine + -ation.