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NYT Mini Crossword: Join together

Answer

UNITE
Letters: 5
Appeared: Oct 8, 2025

🔗 Complete Explanation

UNITE means to bring or come together to form a single unit or entity. This is a perfect definition clue where "join together" and "unite" are essentially synonymous expressions describing the action of combining separate elements into one unified whole.

Etymology & Origins

"Unite" comes from Latin unitus, past participle of unire "to combine, unite," from unus "one." The word has been used in English since the 15th century, emphasizing the bringing together of separate parts into a single entity.

Why This Clue Works

The NYT Mini frequently uses simple definition clues to test vocabulary comprehension. "Join together" is a phrasal verb that perfectly matches the meaning of "unite," making this a straightforward vocabulary test rather than a tricky wordplay clue.

🤔 Why Other Synonyms Don't Fit

MERGE (5 letters)

Similar meaning but typically implies combining two entities into one, while "unite" works for bringing multiple elements together.

JOIN (4 letters)

Too simple - "join" is part of the clue phrase itself, making it unlikely to be the answer.

COMBINE (7 letters)

Excellent synonym but exceeds the 5-letter space required for this answer.

BLEND (5 letters)

Implies mixing thoroughly rather than joining distinct elements, less precise than "unite."

🌍 Contexts & Applications

1

Social & Political

"United we stand, divided we fall" - unity as strength in communities, nations, and movements.

2

Business & Organizations

Companies unite through mergers, teams unite around common goals, departments unite for projects.

3

Personal Relationships

Families unite during celebrations, friends unite in support of each other, couples unite in marriage.

🔗 Related Synonym Clues

Combination Terms

  • • MERGE (combine two entities)
  • • FUSE (join by melting)
  • • WELD (join metals)
  • • BOND (create strong connection)

Cooperation Terms

  • • TEAM (work together)
  • • ALLY (join forces)
  • • COHERE (stick together)
  • • HARMONY (peaceful unity)

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