# synergy

/ˈsɪnɝdʒi/ (US) · /sˈɪnədʒi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/synergy
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. business/collaboration

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

the extra power or success that comes from two groups or people working together.

For teachers: the interaction or cooperation of two or more organisations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.

- The two companies hoped their merger would create a synergy that would lead to new products.
- The strategic synergy between the marketing and product development teams resulted in a launch that exceeded all quarterly projections.

Usage: Often used in business contexts to justify mergers or team collaborations.

### 2. medicine/drugs

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

when two drugs or chemicals work together to have a much stronger effect than they would have alone.

For teachers: the combined action of two or more drugs or biological structures where the resulting effect is significantly stronger than their mere sum.

- Doctors found a synergy between the two medicines that helped the patient recover faster.
- Pharmacological synergy was observed when the two compounds were administered simultaneously, enhancing the antibiotic's efficacy against resistant strains.

Usage: Commonly used in pharmacology and biology to describe drug interactions.

### 3. physical/biological systems

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the way different parts of the body, like muscles or nerves, work together to move or function.

For teachers: the coordinated action of two or more nerves, muscles, or organs to achieve a specific physiological function.

- Walking requires a complex synergy of muscles in your legs and back.
- The athlete's performance relied on the perfect synergy of respiratory and cardiovascular systems during the final sprint.

Usage: Usually refers to involuntary or highly trained biological coordination.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.