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
Both sides will intensify these attacks on locations related to the drone storage and production, including strikes on facilities related to producing components used in drones.
—
Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
The following year, the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) branch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) set several agency records related to arrests and deportations.
—Jessica Pishko, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025
Netanyahu, 75, had been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection related to a benign – or not cancerous – enlargement of his prostate, the New York Times reported, citing a statement from Netanyahu's office.
—Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025
This bill revises laws related to private activity bonds.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 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.
Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
The following year, the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) branch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) set several agency records related to arrests and deportations.
—Jessica Pishko, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025
Netanyahu, 75, had been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection related to a benign – or not cancerous – enlargement of his prostate, the New York Times reported, citing a statement from Netanyahu's office.
—Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025
This bill revises laws related to private activity bonds.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for relate to
Dictionary Entries Near relate to
Cite this Entry
“Relate to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relate%20to. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share