merger

The word “merger” means the joining of two or more organizations, especially companies, into a single one. In plain terms, when two organizations combine to become one.

“Merger” is pronounced MUR-juh (/ˈmɝ.d͡ʒɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “merger” used in a sentence: “The merger created the largest airline in the region.”

Words with a similar meaning to “merger” include combination, fusion and phonemic merger.

The opposite of “merger” — its antonyms — is division.

“Merger” is a noun.

“Merger” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

In a merger, two or more companies combine to form a single organization, usually as relative equals. An acquisition is when one company buys and absorbs another, which then continues under the buyer's control. The two are often grouped as "mergers and acquisitions" (M&A), but they describe different structures.

A merger is usually a mutually agreed joining of two organizations into one, while a takeover implies one company gaining control of another. "Merger" carries a friendlier, more cooperative tone, whereas a takeover can be hostile.

Merger most often pairs with "with" and "between": a firm announces a merger with a rival, or reports a merger between two companies. You can also describe the merger "of" two organizations into one.

In a merger, one organization typically survives and absorbs the other, while a consolidation combines two or more into an entirely new entity. In everyday business language, however, the two words are often used interchangeably.