harmonize

/ˌhɑrməˈnaɪz/

/ˈhɑmənaɪz/

Other forms: harmonized; harmonizing; harmonizes

When you harmonize different opinions or ideas, you bring them to some kind of agreement. It's challenging to harmonize the different interests of a whole classroom full of children, but that's part of what a good teacher does.

When senators from different parties work together on a bill, they need to harmonize their different expectations and and priorities before they can come up with a good compromise. Another way to harmonize is to blend two singing voices or two instruments in a way that sounds pleasing. This is the oldest meaning of the word, which ultimately comes from the Greek harmonia, "concord of sounds" or "agreement."

Definitions of harmonize

1. verb

   bring into consonance or accord
   “harmonize one's goals with one's abilities”

   synonyms: harmonise, reconcile

   types:

   key

   harmonize with or adjust to

   type of:

   adjust, correct, set

   alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard
2. verb

   bring (several things) into consonance or relate harmoniously
   “harmonize the different interests”

   synonyms: harmonise

   types:

   accommodate, conciliate, reconcile

   make (one thing) compatible with (another)

   proportion

   give pleasant proportions to

   type of:

   relate

   have or establish a relationship to
3. verb

   bring into consonance, harmony, or accord while making music or singing
   synonyms: chord, harmonise

   types:

   key

   regulate the musical pitch of

   type of:

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
4. verb

   go together
   “The colors don't harmonize”

   synonyms: accord, agree, comport, concord, consort, fit in, harmonise

   agree, check, correspond, fit, gibe, jibe, match, tally

   be compatible, similar, or consistent; coincide in their characteristics

   types:

   blend, blend in, go

   blend or harmonize

   type of:

   agree, check, correspond, fit, gibe, jibe, match, tally

   be compatible, similar, or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
5. verb

   write a harmony for
   synonyms: harmonise

   types:

   reharmonise, reharmonize

   provide with a different harmony

   realise, realize

   expand or complete (a part in a piece of baroque music) by supplying the harmonies indicated in the figured bass

   type of:

   compose, write

   write music
6. verb

   sing or play in harmony
   synonyms: harmonise

   type of:

   sing

   produce tones with the voice