relative to

preposition

: with regard to : in connection with

Examples of relative to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In an internal memo, Qualcomm Chief Executive Officer Cristiano Amon stated the reductions aim to foster a stronger performance culture and address ongoing shortfalls relative to operational expectations. — CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 Democrats have cast a higher share of early and absentee ballots relative to 2024 in Georgia and Iowa, where the total early vote is about 18 points more Democratic this year. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 This would require an 18% cut by 2030, 45% by 2035, and 69% by 2040, relative to 2025 levels. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026 Ritter found that spin-off shares often notch much of their outperformance relative to the broader market on their first day of trading on their own. — Robert Gray, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relative to

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of relative to was in 1649

Rhymes for relative to

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Browse Nearby Words

relative term
relative to
relative velocity
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Cite this Entry

“Relative to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relative%20to. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

relative to

preposition
: in relation to
the angle of the pole relative to the ground
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