parenting 1 of 2

noun

ˈper-ən-tiŋ How to pronounce parenting (audio)
Definition of parentingnext
as in parenthood
the caring for a child by its parents as the big day approaches, the expectant couple are starting to get worried about their fitness for parenting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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parenting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of parent
as in raising
to bring forth and raise to maturity through care and education They expertly parent their second child using all the lessons learned from raising their first.

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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 parenting
Noun
And stressors like financial difficulties, illness, work responsibilities, parenting and major life changes can test even the most in-sync couples. — Anna Borges, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 Co-parenting and dating each have the potential for high drama, but not a novel’s worth, not in and of themselves. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
Reminiscent of the discussions around Michael Jackson’s upbringing, this Lanterns episode has sparked specific conversations about parenting Black boys and children into greatness, and what actions constitute abusive or unhealthy parenting. — Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026 The plan also expands efforts to help fathers spend more time parenting. — Brian Mann, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parenting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parenting
  1. parenthood
  2. raising
  3. maternity
  4. nurturing
  5. mothering
Noun
  • Since becoming a father, Allen has also opened up about how parenthood has changed his perspective on football.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Though Ursula loves her daughter, the film suggests that there are consequences for not always being keen on parenthood and for maybe sometimes wanting to live one’s own life.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of parenthood
Verb
  • Those officers were not wearing body cameras, raising questions about why the agency still hadn't gotten the cameras out to officers in the field.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Similar federal lists in other states have proved highly inaccurate, raising concerns that eligible voters could be disenfranchised.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of raising
Noun
  • Canadian singer Keshia Chanté dispelled the rumors of Drizzy being the father of her baby after speculation continued to mount following her maternity photo shoot landing on social media.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Quarantine has also been imposed in at least one of the city’s maternity hospitals, according to Liudi Baikala.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of maternity
Verb
  • Launched in 2024, the initiative is part of El Gouna’s CineGouna Emerge program aimed at nurturing the next generation of MENA film professionals.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The three children and a teacher shot to death at Silver Rail Elementary School in central Oregon were in a classroom dedicated to students with special needs – an environment that’s supposed to be nurturing, safe and supportive.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of nurturing
Noun
  • The cultural ascendance of intensive mothering, in which mothers are deemed entirely responsible for their children’s well-being and success, has upped the ante.
    — Marianne Cooper, Time, 5 Aug. 2026
  • To make their point perfectly clear, women are sharing photos of themselves breastfeeding in front of Old Masters paintings in museums that depict the very same mothering act.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of mothering

Browse Nearby Words

parenthood
parenting
parents
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on parenting

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parenting

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