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

Trabzon is not a large place, relatively speaking; a city with a population of around 300,000 on the Black Sea coast. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for relatively speaking

• creaking
• eking
• freaking
• leaking
• peaking
• peeking
• reeking
• seeking
• shrieking
• sneaking
• squeaking
• streaking