relative 1 of 2

noun

ˈre-lə-tiv How to pronounce relative (audio)
Definition of relativenext
as in cousin
a person connected with another by blood or marriage it's always fun to see all your relatives at a big family gathering

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

relative

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in comparative
being such only when compared to something else after being crammed into a one-bedroom apartment, they lived in relative comfort in a two-bedroom house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in relevant
having to do with the matter at hand I don't need the whole story, just the details that are relative to the case

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 relative
Noun
But the study highlights that prehistoric human relatives who overlapped in time with Neanderthals and modern humans could have extremely different behavioral adaptations, Pobiner added. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 Outside hospitals, temporary shelters and improvised morgues, relatives continue posting photographs and names of missing family members on social media, hoping someone might recognize them or provide information about their fate. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Adjective
Since that 3 percent difference is minor, the sun’s relative distance doesn’t impact our weather, but go ahead and celebrate anyway by jumping into some of the nation’s best swimming holes. — Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026 Director-level and above roles continued to show relative strength, growing faster than the broader market, while junior and mid-level hiring recovered only after prior contraction. — Michael Wright, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for relative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relative
  1. cousin
  2. comparative
  3. relevant
  4. relation
  5. comparable
  6. applicable
  7. almost
Noun
  • Bordenave-Jenkins reportedly had plans to take family members to church on Sunday before visiting Knott’s Berry Farm with a cousin this week.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Jackie and her cousin, Annabell, who were in the same classroom, never emerged.
    — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of cousin
Adjective
  • When transactional tasks are automated, the comparative advantage shifts toward those who can ask better questions about talent, capability, and culture.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The group also produces a senior report that now has more than 10 years of data on the comparative health of older adults.
    — Eva Flowe June 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026
Definition of comparative
Adjective
  • Hiding assets Both parties should fully disclose their income, assets, debts and other relevant financial information.
    — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • The Federal Communications Commission has already changed the programming of one of television’s last remaining relevant daytime talk shows — before even making any formal demands.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of relevant
Noun
  • By 1810, relations between France and Russia were on the rocks, and Europe was hopping toward yet another war.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026
  • However, a pre-set schedule may keep relations stable for a while longer.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of relation
Adjective
  • Through facilitated forums and advisory ecosystems, the organization builds environments where owners can test ideas, evaluate risk, and gain perspective from peers navigating comparable pressures.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Winner may not substitute, assign or transfer Prize or redeem Prize for cash, but Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute Prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value.
    — AJC.com, AJC.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of comparable
Adjective
  • Substitutions Here’s how to substitute heavy cream for half-and-half (and vice versa) when applicable.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • These assets largely avoid current tax liability because capital gains are only triggered upon sale, a principle applicable to all crypto investors.
    — Shehan Chandrasekera, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of applicable
Adjective
  • The Chiefs have long been the prototypical contender, the Steelers the paragon of the almost contenders … and the Jets, Browns and Raiders are usually in the third bucket.
    — Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 8 May 2026
  • That also means its almost time for clocks to fall back.
    — Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of almost

Browse Nearby Words

relationships
relative
relatively
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relative. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of relative for Spanish Speakers

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