have sexual relations
Engage in intercourse
To have sexual relations is to engage in sexual activity with someone, typically intercourse.
The phrase is formal or euphemistic, often appearing in legal, medical, or official contexts: The witness confirmed they had sexual relations with the defendant.
It gained notoriety from Bill Clinton's denial about Monica Lewinsky, making it sound evasive in casual use.
Sexual intercourse between partners
- closenessState of proximity
- passionIntense emotional drive
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
- affectionWarm emotional attachment
foreplay · embrace · caress · sensuality · bonding · chemistry · connection · pillow talk
Romantic entanglement outside commitment
- cheatingDeceptive rule-breaking
- adulteryMarried person's sexual betrayal
- extramaritalOutside the marriage bond
- unfaithfulBetraying a partner's trust
betrayal · mistress · lover · paramour · tryst · liaison · clandestine · deception
Formation of an idea
- fertilityCapacity for reproduction
- reproductionCopying or procreation
- pregnancyCarrying developing offspring
- ovulationEgg discharge from ovary
sperm · egg · insemination · trying · fertile window · implantation · paternity · maternity
Intercourse between unmarried persons
- promiscuityFrequent casual sexual encounters
- abstinenceVoluntary forgoing of indulgences
- celibacyAbstaining from intimate relations
- chastityAbstaining from sexual activity
premarital · sinful · virtue · purity · modesty · monogamy · fidelity · vows
Shared between parties
- voluntaryDone by choice
- willingnessOpenness to act
- permissionGranted right to act
- agreementShared position between parties
boundaries · enthusiastic · affirmative · autonomy · choice · respect · explicit · understanding
Assertion lacking proof
- misconductImproper professional behavior
- cover-upHiding wrongdoing from public
- exposeMake known publicly
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
investigation · headline · resignation · harassment · abuse of power · settlement · accuser · hush money
lovemaking
Sexual intercourse between partners
- closenessState of proximity
- passionIntense emotional drive
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
affection · foreplay · embrace · caress · sensuality · bonding · chemistry · connection · pillow talk · aftercare
affair
Romantic entanglement outside commitment
- cheatingDeceptive rule-breaking
- adulteryMarried person's sexual betrayal
- extramaritalOutside the marriage bond
unfaithful · betrayal · mistress · lover · paramour · tryst · liaison · clandestine · deception · two-timing
conception
Formation of an idea
- fertilityCapacity for reproduction
- reproductionCopying or procreation
- pregnancyCarrying developing offspring
ovulation · sperm · egg · insemination · trying · fertile window · implantation · paternity · maternity · birth control
fornication
Intercourse between unmarried persons
- promiscuityFrequent casual sexual encounters
- abstinenceVoluntary forgoing of indulgences
- celibacyAbstaining from intimate relations
chastity · premarital · sinful · virtue · purity · modesty · monogamy · fidelity · vows · sanctity
mutual
Shared between parties
- voluntaryDone by choice
- willingnessOpenness to act
- permissionGranted right to act
agreement · boundaries · enthusiastic · affirmative · autonomy · choice · respect · explicit · understanding · assent
allegation
Assertion lacking proof
- misconductImproper professional behavior
- cover-upHiding wrongdoing from public
- exposeMake known publicly
testimony · investigation · headline · resignation · harassment · abuse of power · settlement · accuser · hush money · whistleblower