1
as in interaction
doings between individuals or groups
relations between the rival newspapers remained friendly despite their competition for the same stories
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of relations
The two countries signed dozens of bilateral agreements, including in a 20-year cooperation deal to repair and overhaul Venezuelan refineries and enhance military relations.
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Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 7 Jan. 2026
The National Endowment for Democracy, which promotes freedom across Latin America including in Cuba, has named Eddy Acevedo, a longtime expert in Western Hemisphere politics, as its vice president for policy and government relations.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
Joining them were bipartisan leaders from the foreign affairs, foreign relations and armed services committees.
—Claudia Grisales, NPR, 6 Jan. 2026
Tutoring elementary students is one of the best opportunities to build meaningful community relations, program officials say.
—Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Today relations with authority figures and co-workers will go well.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Through Saks’ media relations staff, Baker declined to comment.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
The ministry described the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations.
—Omar Faruk, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
While Japan-Russia relations continue to face a difficult situation, Japan will continue to maintain appropriate communication with Russia regarding various issues as neighboring countries.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relations
Noun
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By automating drink preparation, AI Barmen allows human staff to focus on customer interaction rather than repetitive tasks.—
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Her main problem was with the MAGA movement in general, believing that her negative interactions with MAGA protesters reflected the hearts and minds of the movement more broadly.—
Noun
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The findings, from 1,592 U.S. citizens of different ages, sexes, races and incomes, were collected between Dec. 20 and Dec. 22.—
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On his first day in office, Mr. Trump signed an executive order that declared the federal government would recognize only two immutable sexes: male and female.—
Noun
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Vaginal estrogen can be especially effective for easing urinary symptoms and issues like vaginal dryness or painful intercourse that can accompany menopause.—
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Between 13 to 84% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal pain during intercourse, with pelvic floor tension being one of the many reasons behind the discomfort.—
Noun
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Sellew is a bold new voice, using sharp, stylish prose to explore the hinterland of contemporary mating.—
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One preference the females seem to have is fine sand – this is also the first to degrade in the circle, meaning the male won't reuse his masterpiece but build from scratch when another mating event requires it.—
Cite this Entry
“Relations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relations. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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