cousin

noun

ˈkə-zən How to pronounce cousin (audio)
Definition of cousinnext
as in relative
a person connected with another by blood or marriage we both were surprised to learn that we are distant cousins

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 cousin The Thunder star also spent time playing with his cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the reigning Most Improved Player, who had a game-high seven assists. — Eric Koreen, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Terracle Nelson, 46, a cousin of Johnson, told The Associated Press that family members learned from authorities that Johnson had been shot twice in the chest. — Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 6 July 2026 However, Althorp Estate and its 13,500 acres is set to be inherited by their cousin Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, who is the eldest son of Diana's brother, Earl Charles Spencer. — Christopher Luu, InStyle, 5 July 2026 In a sit-down interview with ABC News' Senior National Correspondent Steve Osunsami, Banks met Salvatore Pace, one of his white cousins who is a Jefferson Randolph Coolidge descendant, for the first time. — Briana Stewart, ABC News, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cousin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cousin
  1. relative
  2. relation
  3. family
  4. kin
  5. kinsman
Noun
  • They were filled with protesters — including outraged members of a teachers’ union and relatives of kidnapping victims — as well as fans skeptical of a team that, four years earlier, posted its worst World Cup performance since 1978.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Immigrants from around the world officially became Americans, surrounded by their relatives.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of relative
Noun
  • By 1810, relations between France and Russia were on the rocks, and Europe was hopping toward yet another war.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026
  • However, a pre-set schedule may keep relations stable for a while longer.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of relation
Noun
  • The family fought for three hours last July Fourth to stay alive after more than a summer’s worth of rain fell overnight on bone-dry soil, pushing the waterway from about 3 feet to 30 feet in just 45 minutes.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • History shows family successions, whether in North Korea or Syria, tend to happen through rigid authoritarian control, with the transfer of power underwritten by whoever controls the military.
    — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • House Bill 256 expands rights and protections for foster parents, relative caregivers and fictive kin caregivers.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • The Marine’s name has not been released, in accordance with Navy policy to withhold identification until at least 24 hours after next-of-kin notification, NBC 7 reported.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 28 June 2026
Definition of kin
Noun
  • Records of public meetings and community newspapers feature jabs at how far these sorry kinsmen have strayed from their heritage.
    — Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026
  • As Molineux passes by, Robin recognizes his kinsman and hears the cruel laughter of the mob.
    — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
Definition of kinsman

Browse Nearby Words

courtyards
cousin
cousins
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cousin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cousin. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cousin

Nglish: Translation of cousin for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cousin

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