Words / C1

koh-uh-LES/ˌkəʊəˈles/

To coalesce is to come together to form one group or mass: protests coalesced into a movement. Merge is a close synonym, often of companies; unite is everyday and more intentional; combine can be looser. Coalescence is a rarer noun. In speech, come together or merge is enough. Use it when separate parts form a new whole, not when two people simply agree.

Meaning

To come together to form one group or mass.

Examples

• “Several small protests coalesced into a movement.”
• “Several small complaints coalesced into a formal grievance.”
• “The mist coalesced into rain before we reached the ridge.”

Good to know

Merge into one. Everyday: come together / merge. Close: unite (more willed). Of groups, ideas, or substances.

Near in meaning

merge

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