relate

Definition of relatenext
1
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
2
3
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

4
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 The complaint didn't make clear whether Wilkinson and Garcia-Vallejo were related by marriage through relatives or by blood. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026 Her ability to observe and relate her observations and insights with clarity brightened the pages of various publications over many years. Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 Most other families can likely relate. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026 As the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in individuals over 65, falls can be devasting physically, emotionally, and financially for patients. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relate
Verb
  • Thus bonded, the pair become the band’s Lennon and McCartney, with music fairly flowing out of them after Kitty moves in.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Even then, though, the four actor-musicians didn’t really start to bond yet.
    Peter Larsen, Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But one person familiar with the decisions told Semafor that at least one executive from a company described by the survey had reached out to multiple outlets asking for the pieces to be taken down, arguing that the survey data was faulty and biased.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • One of four astronauts launched by SpaceX last summer suffered what officials described as a serious health issue, prompting their hasty return.
    Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Delays and cancellations in plane travel were also caused by air traffic control issues, which won't happen this time around since the shutdown won't pertain to the Transportation Department.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Social media users weren't quick to forget Brooklyn's past allegations, and asked Cruz a few pointed questions pertaining to his brother.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Studying auroras is important, because they are associated with geomagnetic storms, which can cause all kinds of technical issues for satellites in space, as well as endanger astronauts.
    Julian Dossett, Space.com, 15 Feb. 2026
  • On average, increasing land-use mix by 20% was associated with a 7% relative increase in short-distance trips.
    Bree Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • After reigniting their own love for the game, spending hours on end at Chess Forum, one of the oldest chess clubs in New York, Z began imagining how to cultivate their own space that celebrated learning and teaching the game in a way emphasizing communing and knowing one's neighbors.
    Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Psychic medium Patti Negri communed with the spirits at the Winchester Mystery House on Wednesday night to make a prediction on which team will win the Super Bowl on Sunday.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But one person familiar with the decisions told Semafor that at least one executive from a company described by the survey had reached out to multiple outlets asking for the pieces to be taken down, arguing that the survey data was faulty and biased.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Both countries will be having their second round of talks on Tuesday in Geneva, Tehran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC, adding that the Iran is ready to discuss restricting its nuclear program for lighter sanctions and economic benefits for both sides.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Eight of these units were connected to each other and a linear actuator was installed at one end of the line to apply the force needed to activate the elastocaloric effect.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Regardless of the type, apply the fertilizer in late winter to prepare your tree for the upcoming growing season.
    Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Models require extensive training to enable them to identify everyday objects to interact with, which means that simple tasks like picking up fruit can be challenging in robotics.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Only one body was identified by a family, while the others were buried on Friday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Relate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relate. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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