1
as in interaction
doings between individuals or groups
relations between the rival newspapers remained friendly despite their competition for the same stories
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sex
sexual union involving penetration of the vagina by the penis
a law that prohibits relations between close relatives
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of relations
For families Little children are catered to with cots, high chairs, roll-away beds, family swimming time in the pool, and the guest relations team offers movie nights for children in the room, soft toys, games and baby-sitting.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
Enjoy relations with friends, groups, partners, siblings and neighbors.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Kuo believes the question of unification will inevitably be resolved during Xi’s tenure, but is concerned Xi will opt for a more aggressive approach, such as a blockade or invasion, as relations between Beijing and Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party have deteriorated.
—Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
As Khatami’s tenure showed, presidents were still able to shape public discourse and policy agendas, particularly in areas such as cultural policy, foreign relations and economic management.
—Roxane Razavi, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Iran is taking diligent steps to ensure only certain vessels are able to pass, prioritizing countries with friendlier relations or ships with links to their own trade.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
In the end, both Ben and PAT learn the sociocultural order of human-machine relations.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Initially, relations between the Kongolese and Portuguese rulers were good.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Last month, Cuba released 51 people from the island’s prisons in an unexpected move that officials said stems from a spirit of goodwill and close relations with the Vatican.
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
Enjoy relations with friends, groups, partners, siblings and neighbors.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Kuo believes the question of unification will inevitably be resolved during Xi’s tenure, but is concerned Xi will opt for a more aggressive approach, such as a blockade or invasion, as relations between Beijing and Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party have deteriorated.
—Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
As Khatami’s tenure showed, presidents were still able to shape public discourse and policy agendas, particularly in areas such as cultural policy, foreign relations and economic management.
—Roxane Razavi, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Iran is taking diligent steps to ensure only certain vessels are able to pass, prioritizing countries with friendlier relations or ships with links to their own trade.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
In the end, both Ben and PAT learn the sociocultural order of human-machine relations.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Initially, relations between the Kongolese and Portuguese rulers were good.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Last month, Cuba released 51 people from the island’s prisons in an unexpected move that officials said stems from a spirit of goodwill and close relations with the Vatican.
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relations
Noun
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These plans offered additional security measures and the promise of not training Grok on users’ interactions with the tool.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Asked about the interaction after the game, a 62-48 loss which ended UConn’s unbeaten season, a 54-game win streak and hopes of back-to-back championships, Auriemma had little to say.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The findings, from 1,592 U.S. citizens of different ages, sexes, races and incomes, were collected between Dec. 20 and Dec. 22.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
28 Dec. 2025
-
On his first day in office, Mr. Trump signed an executive order that declared the federal government would recognize only two immutable sexes: male and female.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
With Tim, Martha hadn’t often come during intercourse.—
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The bigger concern usually isn’t intercourse.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This time of year is also a key period for feeding and mating, meaning snakes are actively searching for food like rodents and frogs, as well as potential mates.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
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Brown advised releasing ladybugs for the cliff swallows to feast on, and using speakers to broadcast the birds’ mating call.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relations. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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