Link
v.kind, capableprofessional
Meaning 1
To connect people, things, facts, or systems so they relate or work together.
Reach for it when describing an actual connection, association, or route between separate elements
The shuttle will link three villages with the regional hospital.
Choose between these
5- everyday
the broadest plain verb for joining fits
not when Connect may imply physical attachment rather than an organized relationship.
- everyday
separate parts become one continuous structure
not when Join is too strong when the elements merely communicate.
- warm
people or efforts come together around a purpose
not when Unite implies shared identity or purpose beyond a functional link.
- professional
multiple people or systems establish useful connections
not when Network suggests many-to-many relationships, not one direct link.
- literary
a connection crosses a meaningful divide
not when Bridge adds an image of separation that may not exist.
Meaning 2
To show or claim that one thing is associated with another.
Reach for it when describing an evidence-based relationship between facts or events
The survey could link safer crossings with higher school attendance.
Choose between these
3- everyday
tie
evidence relates an outcome to a cause or actor
not when Tie can sound more conclusive than the data supports.
- professional
associate
a relationship is observed without proving cause
not when Associate sounds analytical and does not make a practical connection.
- formal
correlate
two measured variables vary together
not when Correlation neither proves causation nor suits nonnumeric relationships.
Said against
3- separate
- disconnect
- dissociate
It naturally appears in
3- link together
A covered path will link together the clinic and pharmacy.
- directly link
The records directly link the donation to the repair fund.
- link people
The exchange aims to link people with complementary skills.
Where this comes from
- merriam-webster, verb sense 1a opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- merriam-webster, verb sense 2 opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.