family

noun

ˈfam-lē How to pronounce family (audio)
Definition of familynext
1
as in clan
a group of persons who come from the same ancestor the Adams family made remarkable contributions to American life for more than two centuries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in kind
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic the flute, the clarinet, the oboe, and other members of the woodwind family

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 family Because one of the boy's family members had measles, investigators tested the boy's lung tissue and found evidence of measles infection, Diamantoni said. — Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026 Crump was flanked by three sets of grieving Black families who have all lost their sons in recent months. — Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Shimamoto, who grew up in Southern California, returned west with his family. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Now, over eight weeks after the attack, Leah has decided to shut down donations after the fundraiser raised more than $400,000 for her family. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for family
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family
  1. clan
  2. kind
  3. house
  4. category
  5. tribe
  6. group
  7. folks
  8. people
Noun
  • For the exterior, the clan enlisted the same architect and builder the wife’s sister had used on a prior house.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The O’Connell clan’s reach extended far beyond a little bribery and ballot stuffing.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of clan
Noun
  • The ruling, the first of its kind under Hong Kong’s Societies Ordinance, has raised alarms over freedom of association as authorities continue tightening controls after the 2019 democracy protests.
    — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The ground application was the first of its kind in Texas firefighting history, officials said.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of kind
Noun
  • The house is in full expansion mode, said Elie Saab Jr, vice chairman and CEO of the Elie Saab Group.
    — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Fall summons the urge to nest, and as temperatures drop, so does the desire to leave the house.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of house
Noun
  • In the book’s 16 central chapters, Roden wanders from central categories such as yogurt, egg dishes, breads and pickles, showing how the countries of this region prepare stunning variations of common foodstuffs.
    — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Public-health guidance still frames plain water as sufficient hydration for many users, which sits in tension with the personalized electrolyte marketing driving much of the category.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of category
Noun
  • Especially memorable designs include its Naga choker, wherein each gem represents ornaments worn by a different native tribe, and its Naga orchid necklace, inspired by the nearly 400 species of the flowering plant found in the region.
    — Sohini Dey, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Trade groups representing cities, counties and businesses argued the first provision would give tribes power to delay or halt projects, including those that had already been reviewed under the California Environmental Quality Act.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of tribe
Noun
  • The actors first appeared together in 2001 movie Ocean’s 11, in which Clooney’s Danny oversees a group of thieves during an ambitious heist.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The ten farmers in the group are experiencing an alternative to industrial farming that focuses on the health of the farmer, the farm, the animal, and the consumer.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of group
Noun
  • Then stick around to discover how the inclusive café is offering dignity and a seat at the table for folks from all walks of life, during both happy and harrowing times.
    — Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
  • This doesn’t necessarily mean too many folks are just letting loose in the water.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of folks
Noun
  • Another 13 people were wounded on downtown Sacramento’s K Street and 10th Street, in what became the deadliest mass shooting in the city’s history.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
  • Organizers say more than 125,000 people are expected throughout the event, bringing in millions of dollars for the local economy.
    — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Definition of people

Phrases Containing family

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families
family
family doctor
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Cite this Entry

“Family.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on family

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about family

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