Union

The joining of people or parts into a connected whole.

Reach for it when Naming a bond, alliance, or combination that creates shared strength.

The union of local knowledge and new equipment transformed the rescue service.

• warm

  partnership

  cooperation and mutual responsibility are central

  not when may involve only two parties and no merger

• warm

  unity

  the resulting sense of togetherness matters

  not when does not name the act or structure of joining

• professional

  alliance

  separate parties cooperate toward a goal

  not when members usually retain distinct identities

• formal

  fusion

  parts combine into something new

  not when too total for a partnership that preserves difference

An organized association formed to protect members' shared interests.

Reach for it when Referring specifically to a labor, student, or other membership body.

The union negotiated paid training for every new care worker.

• professional

  trade union

  worker representation must be explicit

  not when too narrow for other organized associations

• formal

  association

  a neutral term for a membership body

  not when does not imply bargaining or collective protection

• literary

  guild

  craft or professional fellowship is historical or central

  not when not the general modern term for organized labor

• separation
• division
• management

• close union

  A close union of craft and engineering shaped the new bridge.

• labor union

  The labor union funded evening language classes.

• union members

  Union members approved the safety agreement by secret ballot.