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

Examples 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 new moon in Sagittarius on December 1 could also ignite fresh inspiration for your creative projects and personal passions and remind you that not all achievements are work related. —

Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Dec. 2024 Other income was $43,000, compared to $55,000 in the previous year, due to a lower cash balance and related lower interest income. —

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 The pair was introduced by Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, who affectionately referred to Rowland as one of her bonus daughters, though the two are not biologically related. —

Mikelle Street, WWD, 26 Oct. 2024 The Department of Agriculture said in early August more than a dozen pre-packaged and bulk summer vegetables were being recalled due to possible listeria contamination, though no illnesses have been reported in association with that recall—the two do not appear to be related. —

Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for relate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relate

Verb

The two bonded over the bye week after butting heads a year ago.

Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Bottlenose dolphins are one of the more common dolphin species in the wild — the kind humans might encounter while boating — and do well with humans in settings like zoos where they become bonded with the staff.

Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025