relation
noun
re·la·tion
ri-ˈlā-shən 
1
: the act of telling or recounting : account
2
: an aspect or quality (such as resemblance) that connects two or more things or parts as being or belonging or working together or as being of the same kind
the relation of time and space
specifically
: a property (such as one expressed by is equal to, is less than, or is the brother of) that holds between an ordered pair of objects
3
: the referring by a legal fiction of an act to a prior date as the time of its taking effect
—usually used with back
4
a(1)
: a person connected by consanguinity or affinity : relative
(2)
: a person legally entitled to a share of the property of an intestate
b
: relationship by consanguinity or affinity : kinship
6
: the attitude or stance which two or more persons or groups assume toward one another
race relations
7
a
: the state of being mutually or reciprocally interested (as in social or commercial matters)
b
relations plural
(1)
: dealings, intercourse
foreign relations
(2)
Examples of relation in a Sentence
The incident led to tense international relations.
Recent Examples on the Web
In fact, relations with daily contacts, siblings and relatives will be heartwarming.
—
Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2025
Insisting that Gaza and the West Bank develop into areas governed by Palestinians as part of a big regional deal that curbs Iran's militancy and normalizes relations between Israel and other countries is a viable way forward.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Different generations and individuals have varying responses to this — there is also a trend in China of cutting off relations with your family.
—The Dial, 6 Feb. 2025
Others will try to balance against Washington by diversifying their foreign relations, finding alternative markets and perhaps even aligning closer to China, which is all too eager to expand its own power and influence to the detriment of its rival.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for relation 
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.
Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2025
Insisting that Gaza and the West Bank develop into areas governed by Palestinians as part of a big regional deal that curbs Iran's militancy and normalizes relations between Israel and other countries is a viable way forward.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Different generations and individuals have varying responses to this — there is also a trend in China of cutting off relations with your family.
—The Dial, 6 Feb. 2025
Others will try to balance against Washington by diversifying their foreign relations, finding alternative markets and perhaps even aligning closer to China, which is all too eager to expand its own power and influence to the detriment of its rival.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for relation
Dictionary Entries Near relation
Cite this Entry
“Relation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relation. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
relation
noun
re·la·tion
ri-ˈlā-shən
1
: the act of telling or describing
2
: connection sense 2, relationship
the relation of employer to employee
3
: a related person : relative
4
: reference entry 1 sense 2, respect
in relation to this matter
5
a
: the state of sharing an interest (as in social or business matters)
b
plural
: business or public affairs
good trade relations
foreign relations
c
plural
: dealings between persons or groups
improved his relations with his family
relational
adjective
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
Medical Definition
relation
noun
re·la·tion
ri-ˈlā-shən
1
: an aspect or quality (as resemblance or causality) that connects two or more things or parts as being or belonging or working together, as being of the same kind, or as being logically connected
the strong relation between genotype and phenotype—Anne M. Glazier et al.
Anne M. Glazier et al.2
: the attitude or stance which two or more persons or groups assume toward one another
race relations
3
a
: the state of being mutually or reciprocally interested (as in social matters)
b
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share