Definition of familialnext
as in household
of or relating to a household or family it's a familial duty as well as a tradition for everyone in my family to eat dinner together

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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 familial That familiarity has certainly worked in the movie’s favor among some viewers, particularly those invested in its maximalist approach to both familial melodrama and semi-surreal scares. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026 There are lots of complicated familial relationships depicted in Hungered. — CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 With his brother, the former Prince Andrew, banished to a sad little farmhouse on the Sandringham estate, and his son Prince Harry consumed by the complexities of the English school run, the King might have hoped for a reprieve from familial drama. — Ashley Baker, Air Mail, 3 Oct. 2026 This kind of familial conflict can also be quite disorienting as you’re left to wonder what might have caused such a strong and severe reaction from your son. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for familial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for familial
Adjective
  • Poinsettias, with their vibrant red leaves, are often the star of household Christmas decorations.
    — Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025
  • Starting October 1st, the brand is ending its Prime Invitee Program, which previously allowed non-household members to enjoy benefits like free shipping.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Many of his domestic critics have faulted him for prolonging the war in Gaza to appease his far-right allies, and for permitting ultra-Orthodox Jews to forgo military service to appease that sizable religious voter bloc.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • According to people familiar with discussions about the policy, Bennett’s prior objections were a message intended for his domestic political constituency.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Familial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/familial. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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