Combine vs. Merge

'Combine' can be used to describe the act of joining or integrating separate elements, components, or entities to create a unified whole. It has a broader range of applications and can be used in both concrete and abstract contexts to discuss diverse subjects such as cooking, manufacturing, data analysis, teamwork, etc. 'Merge', however, has a more specific usage and is primarily used when discussing the combination or integration of organizations, companies, or geographical regions. It is commonly associated with the act of joining two or more entities to form a single, larger entity. Here are some examples:

Use of 'combine' implies that the individual elements can keep their unique characteristics and identities and still be distinguishable, although contributing to the same overall purpose. The focus is on collaboration and cooperation while recognizing and preserving the individuality of each component. 'Merge', however, highlights the formation of a single entity with shared resources, goals, or operations where the individual entities lose their separate identities. The emphasis is on integration and consolidation, where the distinct identities of the individual entities are subsumed or subordinated.