materfamilias

noun

Definition of materfamiliasnext
as in matriarch

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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 materfamilias The novel recounts the history and hardships of the Binewski clan, carnival folk whose pater- and materfamilias, Al and Crystal Lil, create their own freak show. — Elizabeth Hand, Washington Post, 11 Nov. 2022 But with tact and humanity, this materfamilias has still calmed the waters. — Boyd Van Hoeij, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Oct. 2019 Though the Roundabout production, which opened on Tuesday evening, stars Elizabeth McGovern as the materfamilias, the story really is Kay’s. — Jesse Green, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for materfamilias
  1. matriarch
  2. matron
  3. stepmother
  4. mom
  5. mama
Noun
  • The matriarch urges the headstrong girl to be more ambitious and ingratiating – in order to attract a good husband.
    — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But this hurting, mad-eyed matriarch is already too far gone.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of matriarch
Noun
  • Investigators also found that the bus matron, who had nearly 20 years of experience, made no effort to communicate with the driver or contact the school.
    — Doug Williams, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • An extremely unattractive teenage girl who resembled a forty-year-old matron in a women’s prison rather than a young woman fresh on the road to self-discovery approached me.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of matron
Noun
  • Reba McEntire, Blackstock’s stepmother, had also previously owned a residence in the area.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The night before Pierre Damas Bel’s funeral, in early October, his father and stepmother held a wake at their home in Springfield, Ohio.
    — Edwidge Danticat, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of stepmother
Noun
  • By the time his daughter shows up, flanked by her mom and upright dentist stepdad, Lee’s moved on from scolding the room to thanking his mother for believing him.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • As one of six kids of a single mom, private lessons were out of the question.
    — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of mom
Noun
  • Over the course of the novel, Sofia and Rafa both urge mama to seek support with abuelo, with friends' parents, and even with baba.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Hall’s recipe uses a classic combination of stone-ground grits, milk, water, and salt, but the Nashville native’s cooking technique may be different than the one your mama taught you.
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of mama

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Cite this Entry

“Materfamilias.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/materfamilias. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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