relatively speaking

phrase

1
: when compared to others that are similar
The procedure was quick, relatively speaking.
Relatively speaking, the movie wasn't bad.
2
used to say that something is true or correct as a general statement even if it is not entirely true or correct
The trip was, relatively speaking, a disaster.

Examples of relatively speaking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why so much more to the STB Foundation than the other three foundations, relatively speaking? Alex Crippen, CNBC, 18 July 2026 They're so named because plants use a lot of them, relatively speaking. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026 That’s notable when looking at more – relatively speaking – affordable rights like the English Premier (up for a new deal after the 2027-28 season) and Major League Soccer (reworked Apple deal now ends after the 2028-29 campaign). John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relatively speaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relatively%20speaking. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster