as in cousin
a person connected with another by blood or marriage
it's always fun to see all your relatives at a big family gathering
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in comparative
being such only when compared to something else
after being crammed into a one-bedroom apartment, they lived in relative comfort in a two-bedroom house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in relevant
having to do with the matter at hand
I don't need the whole story, just the details that are relative to the case
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of relative
Reuters, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2025
The latter’s supporters pointed to the fact that the Scottish queen was a Catholic and was technically disqualified by the terms of Henry VIII’s will, which stated very clearly that his Stuart relatives should never inherit the crown of England.
—Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
Denise Chow, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2025
Wall Street’s fear gauge, the CBOE Volatility Index, has signaled relative calm in markets for the majority of the past six months.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for relative
Noun
An Australian woman sentenced to life in prison for killing three relatives with a meal laced with toxic mushrooms has filed an appeal to overturn her conviction, according to court documents.
—Reuters, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2025
The latter’s supporters pointed to the fact that the Scottish queen was a Catholic and was technically disqualified by the terms of Henry VIII’s will, which stated very clearly that his Stuart relatives should never inherit the crown of England.
—Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Isaacman, 42, is seen as a relative outsider to lead the space agency.
—Denise Chow, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2025
Wall Street’s fear gauge, the CBOE Volatility Index, has signaled relative calm in markets for the majority of the past six months.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for relative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relative
Noun
-
Elizabeth’s determination not to settle the succession gave rise to fierce rivalry between the claimants to the English throne, among them Mary, Queen of Scots and her son James VI; James’s cousin Arbella Stuart; Lady Katherine Grey and her descendants; and Henry Hastings, Earl of Huntingdon.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
According to a post on the Reddit Wedding Shaming forum, a woman detailed the fiasco surrounding her cousin’s wedding.—
Emily Strohm,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Douglas Hofstadter, a professor of cognitive science and comparative literature at Indiana University, likes to say that cognition is recognition.—
James Somers,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Meanwhile, comparisons of transport modes highlight rail’s comparative advantage.—
Chelsea Haney
October 25,
New Atlas,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Bibby’s challenges now include getting the Hornets relevant.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Accuracy into tight-window throws is an entirely different (but relevant) conversation.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
1 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The leaders of China and South Korea moved to rebuild relations after years of weakening economic ties and a closer Seoul-Washington partnership.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
2 Nov. 2025
-
The president’s ratings on immigration, tariffs, crime, relations with other countries, Russia and Ukraine and crime have barely budged since September’s Post-Ipsos poll.—
Emily Guskin,
ABC News,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Certain closet staples are well worth investing in, but finding comparable styles at a more affordable price point can make building a solid seasonal wardrobe more realistic.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a measure to fund NASA at a level comparable to fiscal year 2025, and there is bipartisan support for maintaining the space agency's science programs.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Read on to learn 13 applicable ways to freshen the rustic look.—
Kathy Barnes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Nov. 2025
-
Brandon Cwalina, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, which runs Medicaid in the state, said the state already requires every Medicaid applicant to verify their citizenship or, where applicable, their eligible immigration status.—
Phil Galewitz,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
That also means its almost time for clocks to fall back.—
Dina Kaur,
AZCentral.com,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Orange County has paid more than $39 million worth of settlements in the almost year since the Airport fire broke out and destroyed more than 100 structures, according to county officials.—
Michael Slaten,
Oc Register,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Relative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relative. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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