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Definitions

associative

[uh-soh-shee-ey-tiv, -see-, -shuh-tiv] / əˈsoʊ ʃiˌeɪ tɪv, -si-, -ʃə tɪv /
ADJECTIVE
clannish
Synonyms
WEAK
akin alike cliquish close insular like narrow related reserved restricting restrictive sectarian unfriendly unreceptive
Antonyms
WEAK
friendly open welcoming
ADJECTIVE
concomitant
Synonyms
STRONG
accessory adjuvant attendant attending belonging coefficient coeval collateral complementary contemporary coordinate corollary fellow incident joint satellite
WEAK
agreeing ancillary associated with coetaneous coexistent coincident coincidental concordant concurrent conjoined conjoined with connected contemporaneous coterminous coupled with in tempo in time isochronal isochronous synchronal synchronous synergetic synergistic
Antonyms
WEAK
accidental chance unrelated

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The concept of associative play refers to how well a player links up with his team-mates.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

Importantly, CaAKG restored synaptic tagging and capture, a critical mechanism that allows the brain to link experiences and form associative memories.

From Science Daily • Jan. 25, 2026

Most of his lyrics read the way poems do, abandoning the typical verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-verse-chorus structure of standard pop songs for the loosely associative through line typical of free-verse poetry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

From chapter to chapter, Lockwood deploys an associative strategy: anecdotes, memories and social commentary string together, rich and kinetic if confusing.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025

Seldom is any mention made of an operation which is non- associative, so the definition seems unnecessary at best.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

Vocabulary lists containing associative

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