relate

verb

ri-ˈlāt How to pronounce relate (audio)
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
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
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 In a statement last week, agency chair Michael Selig announced the commission will move away from its 2024 rule proposal which sought to prohibit political and sports-related contracts. —Alyssa Spady, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 The study's first phase focused on breast and prostate cancers and will examine lung, melanoma, colorectal and HPV-related cancers by July 2026, also exploring genetic and environmental factors. —Marissa Payne, Des Moines Register, 5 Feb. 2026 The rooms Each suite is completely unique, yet related. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026 His death is believed to be cold weather-related. —Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relate
  1. bond
  2. describe
  3. pertain
  4. associate
  5. commune
  6. tell
  7. apply
  8. identify
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
Definition of bond
Verb
  • While Indonesia is often described as one of Australia's most important neighbors, the relationship has seen periodic strains.
    — NINIEK KARMINI, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
  • One other suspect – described as an accomplice – was also detained, the Committee said.
    — CNN's Tim Lister, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of describe
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
Definition of pertain
Verb
  • Much of it is guilt by association — on the grounds, if nothing else, that elites should have known better than to associate with such a man.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • This is clearly not possible considering the importance of safety concerns associated with nuclear reactors, particularly new and novel designs.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of associate
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
Definition of commune
Verb
  • The singer then materialized and handed the boy one of his Grammys and told him always to believe in himself.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Crashes, luge athletes will tell you, are part of the game, a necessary teaching tool that helps young lugers learn how to navigate sliding on their back down an icy course, sometimes faster than 90 miles per hour.
    — Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of tell
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
Definition of apply
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
Definition of identify

Browse Nearby Words

relatable
relate
related
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on relate

Nglish: Translation of relate for Spanish Speakers

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