relationship

Definition Synonyms Example Sentenc

relationship noun
re·la·tion·ship ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship

Synonyms of relationship

1 : the state of being related or

interrelated
studied the relationship between the
variables

2 : the relation connecting or binding

participants in a relationship: such as

a : KINSHIP
b : a specific instance or type of kinship

3 a : a state of affairs existing between

those having relations or dealings
had a good relationship with his
family

b : a romantic or passionate attachment

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Synonyms

affinity association
bearing connection
kinship liaison
linkage relation

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in

Thesaurus

Examples of relationship in a
Sentence

The relationship between the two countries

has improved.

She has a close relationship with her sister.

She has had many bad relationships.

I am not in a relationship right now.

See More

Recent Examples on the Web

John Lennon, who died in 1980, and Yoko

Ono had one child together, Sean Ono
Lennon, while both had children from
previous relationships.
Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024

Eventually, their icy relationship led to a

very public and messy split in 2022.
The Arizona Republic, 17 Apr. 2024

See all Example Sentences for

relationship

These examples are programmatically compiled

from various online sources to illustrate current
usage of the word 'relationship.' Any opinions
expressed in the examples do not represent those
of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us
feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of relationship was in

1741

See more words from the same year

Phrases Containing
relationship

bear little committed

relationship relationship
to/with

love-hate working
relationship relationship

Articles Related to
relationship

Why We Keep Things 'Platonic'

12 Words and Phrases for

Romantic...

Dictionary Entries Near

relationship

relationless
relationship
relatival

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style MLA

“Relationship.” Merriam-Webster.com D
ictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://w
ww.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/r
elationship. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition

relationship noun
re·la·tion·ship ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship

1 : the state of being related

study language relationships

2 : KINSHIP
claimed relationship with the mayor

also : a specific instance or type of this

family relationships

3 : a state of affairs existing between

those having shared dealings
good doctor-patient relationships

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Medical Definition

relationship noun
re·la·tion·ship -shən-ˌship

1 : the state of being related or

interrelated
research into the relationship between
diet, blood, cholesterol levels, and
coronary heart disease
Current Biography

2 a : a state of affairs existing between

those having relations or dealings
called on to assume the role of
personal advisor in the doctor-
patient relationship
Journal of the American Medical
Association

b : an emotional attachment between

individuals
a meaningful relationship

More from Merriam-

Webster on relationship

Nglish: Translation of relationship for

Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of
relationship for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: 20 Apr 2024 - Updated

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