maternal

adjective

mə-ˈtər-nᵊl How to pronounce maternal (audio)
Definition of maternalnext
as in mother
of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother her maternal instincts told her that something was wrong

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 maternal For example, maternal exercise might allow offspring to spend more time developing in the womb or lead parents to producer higher quality milk. — Diego Hernandez-Saavedra, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026 Her paternal grandmother was a quilter, her maternal grandmother a crafter. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Her confessions look like maternal desperation rather than the truth. — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026 The Raglands’ daughter was removed from the family’s home and placed with her maternal grandmother, the lawsuit said. — Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maternal
  1. parental
  2. feminine
  3. motherly
Adjective
  • Two men from France contracted a Florida surrogate and were able to secure parental rights before the boy was even born.
    — Kimberly Bird, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
  • At the bottom of the Network screen are buttons for accessing parental controls and network security settings.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of parental
Adjective
  • In footwear, the mood was undeniably feminine and expressive.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The reality star and Skims founder touched down at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend to support boyfriend Lewis Hamilton, bringing a little feminine energy to the Formula 1 circuit.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of feminine
Adjective
  • With the blessing of the shrewd but motherly Headmistress Francis (Heather Alicia Simms), Paulina has decided to compete in the Miss Ghana 1986 pageant, hoping to reach the Miss Universe competition.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
  • An architectural historian who specializes in 19th-century Turkish interiors, Sedef Piker is a supporting character on the stream — occasionally popping up in the background with some mezze or motherly wisdom.
    — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of motherly

Browse Nearby Words

matériel
maternal
maternity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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