coalesce

[koh-uh-les]

verb (used without object)

coalesced, coalescing 

1. to grow together or into one body.

   The two lakes coalesced into one.

   Synonyms: join, combine, unite

2. to unite so as to form one mass, community, etc..

   The various groups coalesced into a crowd.

   Synonyms: merge, blend, fuse, amalgamate, join, combine, unite

3. to blend or come together.

   Their ideas coalesced into one theory.

verb (used with object)

coalesced, coalescing 

1. to cause to unite in one body or mass.

coalesce

/ ˌkəʊəˈlɛs /

verb

1. (intr) to unite or come together in one body or mass; merge; fuse; blend

Other Word Forms

• coalescence noun
• coalescent adjective
• noncoalescence noun
• noncoalescent adjective
• noncoalescing adjective
• uncoalescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of coalesce¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin coalēscere, equivalent to co- co- + al- (stem of alere “to nourish, make grow”) + -escere -esce

Word History and Origins

Origin of coalesce¹

C16: from Latin coalēscere from _co- + alēscere to increase, from alere to nourish

Example Sentences

During face-to-face consultations and sessions, the culturally significant “souvenir tattoos” have coalesced memories and inspiration into more collaborative conversations between artist and client.

From Los Angeles Times

When Sinéad O’Connor left the planet in July of 2023 at the age of 56, the internet coalesced into a digital wake, with feeds full of tributes, song quotes and memories.

From Salon

There are signs that people on both sides of the argument are coalescing around a position – that support for independence has to get to higher levels if a second vote is to happen.

From BBC

Rarer still are moments on par with what director and writer Ryan Coogler conjures at that movie’s spiritual peak, where music, dance, cultural reverence and natural sorcery coalesce.

From Salon

"And it all just suddenly coalesced in my brain."

From BBC

Related Words

• consolidate 
• fuse 
• integrate 
• unite