synergy
n. C / Un. the extra power or success that comes when two or more things work together. It means the total result is better than what each part could do alone.
n. the interaction or cooperation of two or more substances, organisations, or agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
The synergy between the two companies led to a better product.
In pharmacology, doctors look for drug synergy where the combined effect of two medicines is stronger than expected.
The merger was justified by the potential for operational synergy, as the combined logistics networks would significantly reduce the overhead costs that had previously burdened both independent firms.
From Ancient Greek συνεργία (sunergía, “cooperation”), from σύν (sún, “with, together”) + ἔργον (érgon, “work”). By surface analysis, syn- + -ergy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Often used with the preposition 'between' or 'of'.
Last updated May 7, 2026