sisterly

adjective

sis·​ter·​ly ˈsi-stər-lē How to pronounce sisterly (audio)
Synonyms of sisterlynext
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a sister
sisterly adverb

Examples of sisterly in a Sentence

She gave her brother a sisterly kiss on the cheek. She received sisterly support from other women.
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.
Alana and Danielle rush towards the dresses and pose beside them, before kicking off the sisterly banter that is a constant throughout the fitting. — Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2026 Anna was saved from being frozen solid not by Kristoff giving a true love’s kiss, but by Elsa hugging her and melting the ice through the power of sisterly love. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 29 Nov. 2025 The Montanez sisters have always pushed each other to do their best in school, and though that process will look different in college, each is determined to maintain their sisterly support in this next stage. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026 Ines is a little dazzled by the older girl’s seeming worldliness and Hanna shows big-sisterly fondness for Ines, making her, along with her diary, the repository of her secrets. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sisterly

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1532, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sisterly was circa 1532

Browse Nearby Words

Sisterlocks
sisterly
sistern
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sisterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sisterly. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sisterly

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sisterly

Nglish: Translation of sisterly for Spanish Speakers

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