pro-life

adjective

(ˌ)prō-ˈlīf How to pronounce pro-life (audio)
: opposed to abortion
pro-lifer
(ˌ)prō-ˈlī-fər How to pronounce pro-life (audio)
noun

Examples of pro-life in a Sentence

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.
When Obamacare passed, about forty House Democrats were pro-life. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025 It was unanimously dismissed in 2024, because the justices determined that the group of pro-life doctors who filed the lawsuit didn't have standing. — Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 7 May 2026 Other groups that identify as pro-life are ideologically conservative and often take on other culture war issues. — Anne Whitesell, The Conversation, 10 Nov. 2025 Once news of her operations came to light, Addison became the target of pro-life activists — who stalked and doxxed her, threw a brick into Grey Sloan’s clinic, and even tried to run her over with a car. — Max Gao, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pro-life

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pro-life was in 1970

Rhymes for pro-life

See All Rhymes for pro-life

Browse Nearby Words

proli-
pro-life
proliferant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

pro-life

adjective
prō-ˈlīf
: opposed to abortion

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on pro-life

Nglish: Translation of pro-life for Spanish Speakers

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