Meaning & use
merging
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“merging” is a form of “merge”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbintransitive
Joining together to become a single thing, especially companies, roads, or groups.
Grammar: No object; often used with 'with' or 'into' to show what is joined: The two firms are merging with each other.
Patterns
- merging with something
- merging into something
- merging together
The two banks are merging next month.
The small stream is merging into the river just ahead.
The companies are merging to save costs.
verbtransitive
Combining two or more things so they become one.
Grammar: Takes an object: merge the files.
Patterns
- merge something with something
- merge something into something
The editor merged the two documents into one.
You can merge your contacts with the new app.
They merged the two departments into a single team.
noununcountable
The act or process of joining together, especially of companies or traffic lanes.
Grammar: Used as a noun, often with 'the': The merging of the two companies took months.
Patterns
- the merging of something
- merging of lanes
The merging of the two airlines created a giant carrier.
Merging of traffic lanes causes delays at rush hour.
Word forms
| third person singular | merges |
|---|---|
| past tense | merged |
| past participle | merged |
| -ing form | merging |
Common combinations
- merging with
- The startup is merging with a larger competitor.
- merging into
- The side road is merging into the highway.
- merging traffic
- Watch out for merging traffic on the left.
- merging companies
- Merging companies often face cultural clashes.
Synonyms and how they differ
- combining
- Similar but broader; 'combining' can be temporary or reversible, while 'merging' often suggests a permanent union.
- uniting
- Often used for people or groups joining for a common purpose; 'merging' is more common for businesses or roads.
- blending
- Used when things mix smoothly, like colors or flavors; 'merging' is less about smooth mixing and more about joining into one entity.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: merging or meeting?
merging vs meeting
A meeting is when people come together briefly; merging is when things become one.
Practice
The two companies are _____ to form a larger group.
Choose one answer.
Merging means joining together to become one, which fits companies forming a group. Meeting means coming together briefly, melting means turning to liquid, and mending means repairing, none of which fit the context.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “merging”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.