come together or unite into one

coalesce

verb|/ˌkoʊ.əˈlɛs/

To come together to form one group or mass

Examples

In a meeting

The various team ideas coalesced into a single unified strategy.

Over coffee

After hours of discussion, our dinner plans finally coalesced around Italian food.

Why this word

merge

merge means to combine, while coalesce emphasizes separate elements gradually coming together to form a unified whole

unite

unite means to join together, while coalesce suggests a gradual fusion of separate parts into a coherent whole

combine

combine is general for joining things, while coalesce specifically means to grow together or fuse into one mass or whole

Usage tip

Perfect for describing when separate elements naturally merge. More organic than 'merge' or 'combine'—implies gradual unity.

Etymology

Latin 'coalescere' from 'co-' (together) + 'alescere' (to grow)

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