helpmate, peer.

An _associate_ as used officially implies a chief, leader, or principal,
to whom the _associate_ is not fully equal in rank. _Associate_ is
popularly used of mere friendly relations, but oftener implies some
work, enterprise, or pursuit in which the associated persons unite. We
rarely speak of _associates_ in crime or wrong, using _confederates_ or
_accomplices_ instead. _Companion_ gives itself with equal readiness to
the good or evil sense, as also does _comrade_. One may be a _companion_
in travel who would not readily become an _associate_ at home. A lady
advertises for a _companion_; she would not advertise for an
_associate_. _Peer_ implies equality rather than companionship; as, a
jury of his _peers_. _Comrade_ expresses more fellowship and good
feeling than _companion_. _Fellow_ has almost gone out of use in this
connection, except in an inferior or patronizing sense. _Consort_ is a
word of equality and dignity, as applied especially to the marriage
relation. Compare ACCESSORY; ACQUAINTANCE; FRIENDSHIP.

Antonyms:

antagonist, foe, hinderer, opponent, opposer, rival, stranger.
enemy,

Prepositions:

These were the associates _of_ the leader _in_ the enterprise.

* * * * *

ASSOCIATION.

Synonyms:

alliance, confederacy, familiarity, lodge,
club, confederation, federation, participation,
community, conjunction, fellowship, partnership,
companionship, connection, fraternity, society,
company, corporation, friendship, union.

We speak of an _alliance_ of nations, a _club_ of pleasure-seekers, a
_community_ of Shakers, a _company_ of soldiers or of friends, a
_confederacy_, _confederation_, _federation_, or _union_ of separate
states under one general government, a _partnership_ or _company_ of
business men, a _conjunction_ of planets. The whole body of Freemasons
constitute a _fraternity_; one of their local organizations is called a
_lodge_. A _corporation_ or _company_ is formed for purposes of
business; an _association_ or _society_ (tho also incorporated) is for
learning, literature, benevolence, religion, etc. Compare ASSOCIATE;
ACQUAINTANCE; FRIENDSHIP.

Antonyms:

disintegration, independence, isolation, separation, solitude.

Prepositions:

An association _of_ scholars _for_ the advancement of knowledge;
association _with_ the good is ennobling.

*