Told to be associated (7)
I believe the answer is:
related
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'told' is the first definition.
(as in relating a story)
'be associated' is the second definition.
(similar in meaning)
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for related that I've seen before include "Recounted" , "Akin, associated" , "Father and son have to be" , "similar" , "Connected by blood or marriage" .)