fraternal

adjective

frə-ˈtər-nᵊl How to pronounce fraternal (audio)
Definition of fraternalnext
as in familial
of, relating to, or befitting brothers there was a fraternal bond between the two boys all throughout their school years

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 fraternal On Monday, the College Football Players Association (CFBPA)—an athlete advocacy organization—announced that a group of Stanford football players have formed the first CFBPA fraternal association. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 July 2026 List current memberships in civic, fraternal, legal or social organizations. — Schnelle Tonge, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2026 In it are the recurring themes of fraternal loyalty, longing, nature’s bounty, and the rough toke that is doggedly searching for a better life. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026 In this respect, mixed martial arts performs a role similar to military training camps, revolutionary youth movements and fraternal organizations in earlier eras. — Scott Atran, The Conversation, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fraternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fraternal
  1. familial
  2. brotherly
Adjective
  • Twice in the course of the story, Leo has to choose between the laws of the country and the bonds of familial loyalty.
    — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The costume designer worked with filmmaker Georgia Oakley to create a visual language for the latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s first novel, emphasizing familial bonds and the financial divide between its characters.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of familial
Adjective
  • But through a bit of TV fame, and Ramsay’s signature yelling, ranting, exasperation and, in the end, brotherly wisdom, perhaps its restaurant dreams can come true.
    — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Probably recordings of them complimenting one another and wishing each other a happy birthday and offering brotherly advice.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of brotherly

Browse Nearby Words

franticness
fraternal
fraternities
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fraternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fraternal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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