noun
Uncommon
synergy
SIH-nuhd-zhee
Synergy (noun) means the extra benefit gained when people, groups, or things combine and work together, greater than what each could achieve alone. Example: “The merger was pitched to investors as a source of real synergy between the two companies.”
noun
1
The extra benefit gained when people, groups, or things combine and work together, greater than what each could achieve alone.
"The merger was pitched to investors as a source of real synergy between the two companies."
"There's a natural synergy between the marketing and design teams."
2
In medicine, the effect of two drugs working together to produce a stronger result than either would alone.
"The two medications showed dangerous synergy when taken together."
How to use synergy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe idea that combining forces produces more than the sum of the parts.
Common mistake
Overused as corporate jargon — often criticized as a buzzword when used vaguely instead of describing a specific benefit.
Common pairings
create synergy
synergy between teams
lack of synergy
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Word forms
- Plural
- synergies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The merger was pitched to investors as a source of real _____ between the two companies.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek sunergia, "cooperation," from syn- ("with, together") and ergon ("work").
Synonyms
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synergism
binding energy
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for synergy
See all rhymes for synergy →Frequently asked questions
What does “synergy” mean?
The word “synergy” means the extra benefit gained when people, groups, or things combine and work together, greater than what each could achieve alone. In plain terms, the idea that combining forces produces more than the sum of the parts.
How do you pronounce “synergy”?
“Synergy” is pronounced SIH-nuhd-zhee (/ˈsɪnəɹd͡ʒi/ in IPA).
How do you use “synergy” in a sentence?
Here is “synergy” used in a sentence: “The merger was pitched to investors as a source of real synergy between the two companies.”
What is another word for “synergy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “synergy” include binding energy.
What is the opposite of “synergy”?
The opposite of “synergy” — its antonyms — are antisynergy, asynergy, dysergia and dysergy.
What part of speech is “synergy”?
“Synergy” is a noun.
Where does the word “synergy” come from?
The word “synergy” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek sunergia, "cooperation," from syn- ("with, together") and ergon ("work").
Is “synergy” a common word?
“Synergy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
