RE LATE Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'relate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of relate are associate , combine , connect , join , link , and unite . While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection. // related what he observed to what he already knew

Q: When can 'associate' be used instead of 'relate'?

The synonyms associate and relate are sometimes interchangeable, but associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation. // opera is popularly associated with high society

Q: When is 'combine' a more appropriate choice than 'relate'?

In some situations, the words combine and relate are roughly equivalent. However, combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit. // combined jazz and rock to create a new music

Q: When could 'connect' be used to replace 'relate'?

Although the words connect and relate have much in common, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity. // a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

Q: When is it sensible to use 'join' instead of 'relate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to relate , join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness. // joined forces in an effort to win

Q: When might 'link' be a better fit than 'relate'?

The words link and relate can be used in similar contexts, but link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity. // a name forever linked with liberty

Q: When would 'unite' be a good substitute for 'relate'?

The words unite and relate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity. // the colonies united to form a republic

relate

verb

ri-ˈlāt

Definition of relate

as in to bond

to form a close personal relationship she and I relate so well it's almost like we're siblings

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to describe

to give an oral or written account of in some detail we asked our uncle to relate the story of his visit to communist Russia many years ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to pertain

to have a relation or connection how does your comment relate to what the rest of us have been talking about for the last hour?

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to associate

to think of (something) in combination most Americans probably relate tea to the United Kingdom and coffee to the U.S.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb relate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of relate are associate, combine, connect, join, link, and unite. While all these words mean "to bring or come together into some manner of union," relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

When can associate be used instead of relate?

The synonyms associate and relate are sometimes interchangeable, but associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation.

opera is popularly associated with high society

When is combine a more appropriate choice than relate?

In some situations, the words combine and relate are roughly equivalent. However, combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

combined jazz and rock to create a new music

When could connect be used to replace relate?

Although the words connect and relate have much in common, connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

When is it sensible to use join instead of relate?

While in some cases nearly identical to relate, join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

When might link be a better fit than relate?

The words link and relate can be used in similar contexts, but link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

When would unite be a good substitute for relate?

The words unite and relate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

the colonies united to form a republic

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of relate Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said police are still trying to determine if the shootings were related or what led to them. — Eric MacK , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026 Information regarding if the shootings were related is not available but the investigation is ongoing, police Chief Daniel Comeaux said during a press conference on Sunday. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2026 Initial testing was geared toward that virus — not the related, but different, Bundibugyo virus that was actually causing illnesses. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 The study’s authors stopped short of claiming the coinciding diversification of Cretaceous plants and oviraptorosaurs (the larger dinosaur group encompassing caenagnathidae) are directly related. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relate

Verb

Directed by Claudia Estrada Tarascó, the film follows girls in a juvenile justice facility who bond over music and dreams of a Barcelona trap competition.

— Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026
Adapted from Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel of the same name, Klara and the Sun is set in a dystopian future and follows an obsolete companion android who attempts to bond with her new owner, Josie, a young girl dealing with an illness.

— Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of bond

Verb

Cargo aircraft for remote routes Aviern’s website describes an aircraft called the A600, designed to carry 600 pounds of cargo over a range of 600 miles.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
In a report submitted to the city by FSMY Architects + Planners, the design firm describes the tower as creating a distinctive silhouette within the downtown skyline.

— Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of describe

Verb

Miami Beach code compliance officers also checked on the polling station at least six times for possible loud music and signage code adherence pertaining to Basabe, although no violations were issued, records show.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Means ruled earlier this year that Kay could introduce new details pertaining to the evidence that led to his 2022 conviction.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of pertain

Verb

But that’s preferable to the movie’s swerve into saccharine grief therapy, as Jay starts communing with Mitt once the dead dad and the whale become a single soul.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
For well-heeled, globe-trotting diners, Noma offered an escape from modernity and the sensation of communing with something more elemental and earthbound.

— Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of commune

Verb

Shapiro told Semafor that he’ll be focused on passing a few specific items if his party wins full control of the government — not a parade of progressive bills, as Democrats in some swing states have done after winning the legislature.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
In his ruling rejecting the DOJ’s lawsuit, Carter said the federal government had the right to investigate instances of criminal voting but not to tell California how to run its elections.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of tell

Verb

The researchers said their approach could also be applied to other quantum materials, allowing scientists to investigate electronic behavior that has previously been difficult to observe directly.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
The act applies to event tickets for public concerts, theater shows, sporting events and similar activities at venues with a capacity of over 200 seats.

— Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of apply

Verb

Under Sorrells, morale at the office is bleak and has resulted in an exodus, according to two veteran prosecutors who left the office and spoke on the condition they not be identified.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
About 42% of residents surveyed identified mental health as a top health challenge, and Gaston’s suicide rate also exceeds the state average.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of identify

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Style

“Relate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relate. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of relate

verb

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