Relationship — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship/ re·la·tion·ship

Meaning & Definition of Relationship

Relationship (noun)

  1. the way in which two or more things or people are connected, the state of being related or interrelated
  2. the way in which two or more people, groups, countries, etc., talk to, behave toward, and deal with each other
  3. one's feelings or behavior towards something that one deals with regularly

Relationship (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the fact or state of having something in common

    "studied the relationship between the phases of the moon and ocean tides"

    similar: affinity, association, bearing, connection, kinship, liaison, linkage, relation
    related: correlation, interrelation, materiality, pertinence, relevance, bond, link, tie, affiliation, alliance, union, identicalness, sameness, alikeness, community, likeness, resemblance, similarity, accordance, agreement, conformity, congruity, correspondence
    near: variability, variance, incompatibility, incongruence, incongruity, incongruousness

  2. the state of having shared interests or efforts (as in social or business matters)

    "the street's shopkeepers have a good business relationship"

    similar: affiliation, alliance, association, collaboration, confederation, connection, cooperation, hookup, liaison, linkup, partnership, relation, tie-up, union
    related: business, dealings, interaction, exchange, interconnection, interrelation, mutualism, reciprocity, symbiosis, incorporation, integration, merger, unification, affinity, attachment, closeness, intimacy, rapport, sympathy, kinship, oneness, solidarity, togetherness, unity, colleagueship, companionship, company, fellowship, bed, cahoots, league
    opposite: disaffiliation, dissociation
    near: breakup, dissolution, disunion, division, parting, separation, severance, split, alienation, divorce, estrangement

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Relationship

The most common words with a similar meaning to Relationship:

affinity, association, bearing, connection, kinship, liaison, linkage, relation, affiliation, alliance, collaboration, confederation, cooperation, hookup, linkup, partnership, tie-up, union

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Relationship

Words with the opposite meaning of Relationship:

disaffiliation, dissociation

Related Words for Relationship

correlation, interrelation, materiality, pertinence, relevance, bond, link, tie, identicalness, sameness, alikeness, community, likeness, resemblance, similarity, accordance, agreement, conformity, congruity, correspondence, business, dealings, interaction, exchange, interconnection, mutualism, reciprocity, symbiosis, incorporation, integration

Near Antonyms of Relationship

variability, variance, incompatibility, incongruence, incongruity, incongruousness, breakup, dissolution, disunion, division, parting, separation, severance, split, alienation, divorce, estrangement

Origin & Etymology of Relationship

First known use: 1724

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Relationship

Words & Phrases Containing Relationship

bear little relationship to/with, committed relationship, love-hate relationship, working relationship

Frequently Asked Questions about Relationship

What does "Relationship" mean?

"Relationship" means the way in which two or more things or people are connected, the state of being related or interrelated. As a noun, it is defined as: the way in which two or more things or people are connected, the state of being related or interrelated. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Relationship"?

Other words for "Relationship" include affinity, association, bearing, connection, kinship, liaison, linkage and relation. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Relationship" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Relationship"?

There are 66 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Relationship". Common alternatives include affinity, association, bearing, connection, kinship, liaison, linkage, relation, affiliation and alliance.

What is the opposite of "Relationship"?

Antonyms of "Relationship" include disaffiliation and dissociation. Near antonyms include variability, variance, incompatibility and incongruence.

How do you use "Relationship" in a sentence?

Examples of "Relationship" in a sentence: "studied the relationship between the phases of the moon and ocean tides"; "the street's shopkeepers have a good business relationship".

Is "Relationship" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Relationship" is a noun.

Is "Relationship" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Relationship" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Relationship"?

"Relationship" is pronounced /ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship/ and divided into syllables as re·la·tion·ship.