Another Word for Relationship: 16 Synonyms with Examples
A relationship is the way people or things are connected, or a romantic or close bond between people. Swap it to stress a link, a partnership or a bond.
As a noun: a connection between things
- connection
- link
- association
- correlation
- relation
- bond
- tie
As a noun: the way people get on
- rapport
- bond
- friendship
- partnership
- relations
- understanding
As a noun: a romantic connection
- romance
- partnership
- love affair
- affair
- courtship
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- connection
- A general link between things or people.
- correlation
- A statistical link where two things change together.
- association
- A link in the mind, or a formal partnership.
- rapport
- A friendly understanding that makes people get on well.
- bond
- A strong emotional connection.
- partnership
- A relationship where both people share and work together.
Example sentences
- connection: There is a clear connection between diet and health.
- correlation: The study found a correlation between screen time and poor sleep.
- association: For many people, the smell has an association with childhood.
- rapport: The new teacher quickly built a rapport with the class.
- bond: The twins share a close bond.
- partnership: Their partnership has lasted more than thirty years.
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “relationship”. Check the meaning before you use one.
noun: kinship
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “relationship”?
The most useful alternatives are “connection”, “link”, “association”, “correlation”, “relation”. For the main sense (a connection between things), “connection” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “connection” and “correlation”?
connection: A general link between things or people. correlation: A statistical link where two things change together.