grown-up 1 of 3

adjective

ˈgrōn-ˌəp How to pronounce grown-up (audio)
Definition of grown-upnext
as in mature
relating to or typical of adults; displaying proper maturity they have yet to find a grown-up way of handling their marital problems

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grown-up

2 of 3

noun

as in adult
a fully grown person once you turn 12, you get to eat with the grown-ups at Thanksgiving

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grown up

3 of 3

verb

past participle of grow up
as in grown
to become mature everyone has to grow up at some point in their lives

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 grown-up
Adjective
Working with sister stylist duo Chloe and Chenelle Delgadillo, Rodrigo has reconstructed her signature looks to feel softer and more grown-up, with outfits drawing from fashion references just as diverse as her musical taste. — Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 There was something so exciting about holding those glowing wands and feeling just a little grown-up while doing it. — Abby Price, Southern Living, 17 June 2026
Noun
Reportedly shot for less than $100,000, this tale of Pooh and Piglet all grown-up and running amok recently opened to box office success in Mexico and is currently playing on cinema screens around America. — Clark Collis, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2023
Verb
Many of today’s media consumers have grown up consuming media in seconds-long bursts, and the industry is still trying to develop strategies to connect with these viewers, said Puente, who began teaching at CSUF in 2006. — Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 25 May 2026 Although Buffington is a native Californian, Jayne had grown up in Hampton Bays and never imagined leaving the area behind. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for grown-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grown-up
  1. mature
  2. adult
  3. grown
Adjective
  • The bloc has some key strengths, such as data center operating costs below the global average, mature manufacturing infrastructure, and rapid uptake of digital AI applications and clean energy.
    — Brian Wong, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • This approach is extraordinarily mature and remains the foundation of modern computing.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of mature
Noun
  • Bonnell says the 805 RX was designed around adult-sized ergonomics, with adjustable footpeg and handlebar positions.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In a statement to PEOPLE, a Fort Collins Police spokesperson confirmed that six individuals were transported by ambulance to area hospitals, including the driver, who was described only as an adult male.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of adult
Verb
  • Political pressure has grown for candidates running in Florida elections to lay out clear positions on data centers.
    — Emily L. Mahoney, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Since the pandemic, when companies suddenly had to equip their remote-working employees’ home offices, the share of its revenues coming from businesses has grown to 40%.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of grown

Browse Nearby Words

grown (in)
grown-up
grown up
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Cite this Entry

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

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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