RELATIVES Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

relatives

noun

plural of relative

as in cousins

a person connected with another by blood or marriage it's always fun to see all your relatives at a big family gathering

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nonrelatives

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of relatives There are emotional ramifications as well as financial ones when leaving money to relatives. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026 In 1934 Owens, her children, and other relatives migrated to the southern San Joaquin Valley, looking for work. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026 Then there are all the people hiding in the hills, and those who have taken refuge in the homes of Moroccan relatives in Ceuta. — Miguel MacIas, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026 Luk, an only child who grew up surrounded by cousins, was amused by the way relatives can inhabit incompatible versions of the same history. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026 These are harmless plant relatives consisting of an algae and fungus growing together. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 Two are being identified with pseudonyms out of concern for the safety of relatives in Afghanistan. — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Aug. 2026 My husband’s relatives (immediate and extended family) are all Christians for whom winning souls to salvation is a crucial matter. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026 Short trips and conversations with daily contacts, siblings and relatives will interest you. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relatives

Noun

The maps in today’s fantasy epics are distant cousins of the woodcut that illustrated the first edition of Utopia, and which imagined the faraway island.

— Carline Tromp, The Dial, 18 Aug. 2026
The Midwest Regional Reception Center detains close to 500 fathers, mothers, spouses, cousins and friends on behalf of ICE.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of cousins

Noun

Officials will discuss strengthening Iran-Iraq relations, border security, economic cooperation and counterterrorism, among other topics, the broadcaster IRIB reported.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
To date, relations between First Tee and the neighborhood have been cordial, but the initial plan has not been well received.

— Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of relations

Browse Nearby Words

relatively

relatives

relativities

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Style

“Relatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relatives. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of relatives

noun

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