Colleagues (10)
'colleagues' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for associates that I've seen before include "Colleagues" , "Companions" , "mates" , "Hangs out with" .)
(Other definitions for cohorts that I've seen before include "Henchmen" , "Partners" .)
(Other definitions for partners that I've seen before include "Business or marital mates" , "Close associates in business or life" , "Companions or associates" , "They share in an activity, business or marriage" .)