in relation to

phrase

formal
1
used to compare to the size, shape, or position of (some other part of the same thing)
The monkey's eyes are large in relation to its head.
2
used to talk about what something is like by seeing how it is related to something else
understanding literature in relation to history
3
: about (something or someone) : in reference to
I have several comments to make in relation to the subject at hand.

Examples of in relation to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For example, a 2018 survey, cited in Pew’s report, found that 47% of Chinese adults believe in fengshui, where the positioning of objects or buildings in relation to one another can bring happiness and good fortune. CNN Money, 8 July 2026 When one entity appears as the authoritative source across most of that material and the other appears primarily in relation to that entity, the AI builds one dominant signal and one dependent one. Joseph Byrum, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 One person was detained Monday night in relation to the incident, the post said. Arkansas Online, 7 July 2026 Adnan and Swiss curator, Hans Ulrich Obrist, discuss the value of epiphany and spontaneity in poetry, as well as memory in relation to architecture. Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for in relation to

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In relation to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20relation%20to. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!