relations

noun

plural of relation
1
as in interaction
doings between individuals or groups relations between the rival newspapers remained friendly despite their competition for the same stories

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sex
sexual union involving penetration of the vagina by the penis a law that prohibits relations between close relatives

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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 relations Canada could restrict key exports to the US, such as energy and a key fertilizer ingredient known as potash, said Diamond Isinger, a policy strategist and former special advisor on Canada-US relations to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026 Cook’s legacy has been defined by his deft leadership through tumultuous supply chain environments and tense international trade relations. — Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 His colleagues at Weissman/Markovitz Communications said Morpurgo brought a global perspective and a writer’s sensibility to publicity, press relations, awards campaigns, unit publicity, corporate communications and film festival work. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 Jason Collins is a Central Florida pediatric cancer advocate and director of communications and external relations for the Ahmad Butler Foundation. — Jason Collins, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 Over time, this could prove a diplomatic plus given its more flexible relations with Beijing. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 The Hazel Park Schools district has faced significant challenges amid tense relations between certain school board members and the suspension of Superintendent Amy Wilcox. — Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 The compromise is not likely to completely satisfy Hollywood’s government relations teams, who see the cap as a betrayal of the promise of the $750 million expansion approved last year. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026 But Stammen instructed a media relations staffer to inform reporters that Henley would be unavailable to talk. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relations
  1. interaction
  2. mating
Noun
  • The two ended up walking away laughing, and Luiz’s grin rode right into the next conversation, drill or interaction with anyone on the field.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The use of smartphones, self-service kiosks, and noise-canceling headphones reduces human interaction.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of interaction
Noun
  • The famed Big 5 (elephants, buffalos, leopards, rhinos, and lions) are all easily spotted in these lands, but the diverse habitats provide opportunities for different behavioral sightings, from feeding to bathing and mating.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
  • For the past eight years, that's when Jackie and Shadow have begun reinforcing their nest and mating.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of mating

Phrases Containing relations

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Cite this Entry

“Relations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relations. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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