Meaning & use

synergistic

adjective·Advanced

Describing a combined effect that is greater than the sum of the individual effects acting separately.

See it in a sentence

The two drugs have a synergistic effect, working far better together than either does alone.

Their synergistic partnership let each company reach markets neither could access on its own.

A note on using this word

Common in business and science jargon; overuse in casual writing can sound like empty corporate speak.

Words with a similar meaning

complementary

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “synergistic”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.