parental

adjective

Definition of parentalnext
as in protective

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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 parental 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 The proposed and enacted bans around the world vary in terms of age restriction, parental consent rules and age verification methods. — Ari Lightman, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 The law bans social media accounts for Florida children under 14 and requires parental consent for use by kids who are 14 or 15. — CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 The group also warned social media sites could be forced to verify the ages and the parental status of all users as a result of the ruling. — Gray Rohrer, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 OutKick obtained a 2023 Lean In Girls Facilitator Handbook through Courage Is A Habit, a parental-rights organization that previously investigated the program. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 In Flanagan‘s take, Margaret is fiercely committed to shielding Carrie from the world’s dangers and from her classmates’ cruelty, even becoming a parental advocate in their community and on social media. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026 Whyte quickly learned how universal the feeling of parental loneliness is, and the best ways to find meaningful connection. — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 10 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parental
  1. protective
  2. supportive
  3. maternal
  4. caring
Adjective
  • One possible injury is a subdural hematoma, which is bleeding between the brain and its outer protective covering putting pressure on the brain.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Images show an excavator in the backyard as police in protective gear continue to come and go from the property this week.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of protective
Adjective
  • The community of Crystal Lake wants to be supportive, especially Levon (William Catlett), a widower with a dark past and big ole crush on Pamela and her exceptional sweater.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Many of its socks feature a signature honeycomb design at the arch, which helps create a more secure fit, minimize bunching, and provide a supportive feel.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of supportive
Adjective
  • Moon, meanwhile, is struggling at school but on the precipice of adulthood; as the young woman begins to make her own decisions in life, Yue must relinquish a degree of maternal responsibility.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The article also links Pan’s candidacy to concerns beyond vaccines, including the effects of Medicaid cuts on healthcare access and the administration’s retreat from attention to racial disparities in maternal health.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of maternal
Adjective
  • Weird things happen in three or four games throughout the regular season all the time, without anyone noticing or caring.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Not sincere, caring concern, and not questions about the legality or morality of Grace’s ultimatum.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of caring

Browse Nearby Words

parentages
parental
parented
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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