union

A group formed by joining several countries, organizations, or other parts together.

• The countries formed a union.
• Several small states joined the union last year.
• This political union has twenty members.

How to use it: union of something (They proposed a union of neighboring states.)

Similar words: alliance, federation, league

Common phrases: political union, union of states, join a union, union of nations

The act of bringing two or more things together as one.

• Their marriage marked the union of two families.
• The union of the companies created a larger business.
• They celebrated the union with a meal.

How to use it: union of A and B (The union of art and science inspired her work.)

Similar words: joining, combination, merger

Opposites: separation

Common phrases: union of companies, union through marriage, union of something

The state of being joined together or living and working in agreement.

• Their union remained strong.
• The partners lived in peaceful union for many years.
• Shared values helped them maintain their union.

Similar words: unity, harmony, togetherness

Opposites: division, disunity

Common phrases: lasting union, spiritual union, in union

Connected with an organization that protects workers and their rights.

• She is a union member.
• Union workers voted to accept the contract.
• Are the actors in this production union?

Similar words: unionized

Opposites: nonunion

Common phrases: union member, union workers, union contract

Connected with the central government of a country made up of states.

• The union government announced new plans.
• A union minister visited the state yesterday.
• The union budget includes more money for schools.

Similar words: federal, central

Common phrases: union government, union minister, union budget