What is the term for merging two concepts together?

The term "conflate" is used to describe the act of merging two concepts, ideas, or pieces of information into one. This process often leads to a blending of attributes or meanings, and can be particularly relevant in discussions where two separate ideas might be mistakenly viewed as one due to their similarities. For example, in discussions about policy or theoretical frameworks, individuals might conflate two concepts that share overlapping features but have distinct implications or contexts. This term is crucial in academic and analytical discussions where clarity between different ideas is important, as it highlights a potential misunderstanding or lack of distinction between those ideas.