consolidate

verb

con·​sol·​i·​date kən-ˈsä-lə-ˌdāt How to pronounce consolidate (audio)
consolidated; consolidating
Synonyms of consolidate

transitive verb

1
: to join together into one whole : unite
consolidate several small school districts
2
: to make firm or secure : strengthen
consolidate their hold on first place
He consolidated his position as head of the political party.
3
: to form into a compact mass
The press consolidates the fibers into board.

intransitive verb

: to become consolidated
specifically : merge
The two companies consolidated.
consolidator
kən-ˈsä-lə-ˌdā-tər How to pronounce consolidate (audio)
noun

Synonyms of consolidate

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Examples of consolidate in a Sentence

The two funds will consolidate into one. The administration hopes that such measures will consolidate its position. Rebel forces have consolidated their hold on the region.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Across the border, the rebels have grown more powerful, consolidating control over major cities and pushing to seize others, such as the densely populated Taiz. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026 Rodan-Benzaquen argued that intensifying political confrontation could help Mélenchon consolidate his support among younger voters and immigrant communities, while portraying the far right as an increasingly serious threat. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 Each find is outlined, mapped, and photographed, and restoration specialists consolidate the fragile crust. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026 Implementing this model is more beneficial to communities than closing or consolidating schools. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consolidate

Word History

Etymology

Latin consolidatus, past participle of consolidare to make solid, from com- + solidus solid

First Known Use

circa 1512, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of consolidate was circa 1512

Rhymes for consolidate

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Browse Nearby Words

consolette
consolidate
consolidated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consolidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consolidate. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

consolidate

verb
con·​sol·​i·​date kən-ˈsäl-ə-ˌdāt How to pronounce consolidate (audio)
consolidated; consolidating
1
: to join together into one whole : unite
2
: to make firm or safe : strengthen
consolidate a beachhead
consolidation
kən-ˌsäl-ə-ˈdā-shən
noun

Legal Definition

consolidate

transitive verb
con·​sol·​i·​date kən-ˈsä-lə-ˌdāt How to pronounce consolidate (audio)
consolidated; consolidating
: to join together into one whole: as
a
: to combine (two or more lawsuits or matters that involve a common question of law or fact) into one compare class action

Note: Consolidation of matters in the federal courts is governed by Rule 42 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Consolidated cases may become one single action with a single judgment, or may retain their individual identities although tried together. The court may also try one representative case and render a judgment binding on the other cases.

b
: to combine (two or more corporations) to form one new corporation compare merger
consolidation
kən-ˌsä-lə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce consolidate (audio)
noun
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