RELATES Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

relates

verb

present tense third-person singular of relate

as in communes

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 describes

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 pertains

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 associates

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

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 relates And then Mowbray relates some personal evidence of what has not changed — Middlesbrough’s attachment to football. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Musk’s father, Errol Musk, is interviewed in the film and relates a telling incident in which the family drove by the scene of a man who was being resuscitated by the side of the road. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026 Because the girl relates well to you, continue to fill that role. — Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026 Some of the bill’s language relates directly to e-bikes, specifically to those making and selling the devices, while other sections of the bill address speeds for everyone using bike paths, multiuse trails and sidewalks. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 1 Sep. 2026 That same prose, as rendered by Searls, is evident once again in the new book as the novel’s narrator relates how he was drawn to this mysterious outpost and how the place seems to be conspiring against his leaving there. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Each and every item relates in some way to the novel’s storyline, yet miraculously, many of the objects were sourced before the book was even written. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026 The Bible relates the remarkable transformation of Saul of Tarsus – at one time a violent persecutor of Christians – who became a powerful teacher-by-example of love and peace. — Margaret Rogers, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026 This formula relates directly to the cash generation that is available to be paid to the company’s shareholders and debtholders. — Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relates

Verb

Realize that the cement is the glue that bonds the sand and stones in your mix together.

— Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Higher rates tend to slow economic activity by making borrowing more expensive and bonds more competitive with stocks for investment dollars.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of bonds

Verb

The Shiji associates Sun Tzu with Wu’s campaigns against its powerful rival Chu, including the campaign that culminated in the capture of the Chu capital, Ying, in 506 bce.

— Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026
What being Southern meant to his father—and the values Duane associates with being a Southern gentleman.

— Sid Evans, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of associates

Verb

Speaking vulnerably, Sandy tells us about her journey, and she is moved when Aesha gives her a necklace with a pendant engraved with the number 36 and an anchor.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026
His new novel, Vigil, tells the story of an angel tasked with helping a billionaire feel a degree of remorse for his actions before crossing over.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of tells

Verb

These histories can be claimed for any site-specific artwork located in an outdoor setting, though their relevance applies differently from one example to another.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
But again, this only applies if your flight is delayed by more than by more than three hours domestically or six hours internationally.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of applies

Verb

The theory identifies nervous system regulation, emotional stability and values alignment as upstream conditions that influence downstream judgment, decision integrity and behavioral consistency.

— Dr Natalie Callis, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Internal affairs complaints The lawsuit identifies five internal complaints filed against Sumstad between December 2022 and October 2025 and alleges each was dismissed, deemed unsubstantiated or ended in her exoneration.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of identifies

Verb

Chapek recounts an exchange with Iger — who is mentioned 121 times in the book— years before the CEO changeover.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Continue reading … BOLT FROM ABOVE — Couple recounts 'miraculous' rescue after surviving harrowing lightning strike during evening stroll.

— , FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026