relate to
phrasal verb
related to; relating to; relates to
1
: to connect (something) with (something else)
Few of the people who became sick related their symptoms to the food they'd eaten the day before.
2
: to understand and like or have sympathy for (someone or something)
I can relate to your feelings.
I've never been able to relate to him very well.
He writes songs that people can really relate to.
3
—used to describe how someone talks to or behaves toward (someone else)
How a child relates to her teacher can affect her education.
4
: to be connected with (someone or something) : to be about (someone or something)
The readings relate to the class discussions.
—often used as (be) related toThe exam questions are directly related to the readings.
Examples of relate to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Investments in private equity, real estate crowdfunding and digital assets have surged as younger investors proactively manage risks related to inflation and market downturns, seeking stable yet attractive returns.
—
Hemanth Golla, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
For some reason, this album has people relating to it in a grieving way.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 1 July 2025
Lai also allegedly traveled to Houston in April 2025 and claimed the purpose of the visit was related to his business as an online retailer.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
In addition to those counts, the DA's office has added 66 counts to the original charges related to 14 additional victims who have been identified through the ongoing investigation.
—Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for relate to
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.
Hemanth Golla, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
For some reason, this album has people relating to it in a grieving way.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 1 July 2025
Lai also allegedly traveled to Houston in April 2025 and claimed the purpose of the visit was related to his business as an online retailer.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
In addition to those counts, the DA's office has added 66 counts to the original charges related to 14 additional victims who have been identified through the ongoing investigation.
—Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for relate to
Cite this Entry
“Relate to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relate%20to. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share