RELATE Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

relate

verb

ri-ˈlāt

Definition of relate next

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

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

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

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 Many fellow Redditors could relate and applauded the man for braving through the pain to create long-lasting family memories. —

Danielle Jennings, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series. —

Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2025 Popular on Variety The tone for proceedings is set by an introductory anecdote that Ricciardi relates directly to camera, concerning a teenage masturbation mishap that left him with splinters in the head of his member. —

Guy Lodge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025 Sources with knowledge of the investigation told The Times officials were aware of the earlier fire and its general proximity to the starting point of the Palisades fire, and looking into whether they are related. —

Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for relate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relate

Verb

Aside from driving lessons, the father-son duo enjoys bonding over golf.

— Katie Mannion, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025
After their new arena opened in 2002, the rodeo trip became an opportunity for bonding through adversity.

— Mike Monroe, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025