brotherly

adjective

broth·​er·​ly ˈbrə-t͟hər-lē How to pronounce brotherly (audio)
Synonyms of brotherlynext
1
: of or relating to brothers
2
: natural or becoming to brothers : affectionate
brotherly love
brotherliness noun
brotherly adverb

Synonyms of brotherly

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Examples of brotherly in a Sentence

He gave his sister a brotherly hug. He received brotherly support from his fellow priests.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But now our similarities, brotherly bond and family values are on full display every week. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026 Freddy and Teddy never stop making side bets and busting each other’s chops, mostly about who has the better golf game, this being the locker-room form of brotherly love. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 20 June 2026 Bennett’s competitive streak began with brotherly games of football and basketball, outside in the driveway and indoors on a mini-hoop. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026 Nyong’o recalls her scene partner’s magnetic qualities, as well as his brotherly protectiveness at their closing-night party. — Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for brotherly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brotherly was before the 12th century

Rhymes for brotherly

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Browse Nearby Words

brotherliness
brotherly
Brother of the Christian Schools
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Cite this Entry

“Brotherly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brotherly. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

brotherly

adjective
broth·​er·​ly ˈbrət͟h-ər-lē How to pronounce brotherly (audio)
1
: of or relating to brothers
2
: kindly entry 1 sense 2, affectionate
brotherliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on brotherly

Nglish: Translation of brotherly for Spanish Speakers

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