n. 25B6; verb
the colours that we associate with fire : LINK, connect, relate, identify, equate, bracket, set side by side.
I was forced to associate with them : MIX, keep company, mingle, socialize, go around, rub shoulders, fraternize, consort, have dealings; N. Amer. rub elbows; informal hobnob, hang out/around/round, be thick with; Brit. informal hang about.
the firm is associated with a local charity : AFFILIATE, align, connect, join, attach, team up, be in league, ally; merge, integrate, confederate.
25B6; noun his business associate : PARTNER, colleague, co-worker, workmate, comrade, ally, confederate; connection, contact, acquaintance; collaborator, partner; informal crony; Brit. informal oppo; Austral./NZ informal offsider.