fatherly

adjective

Definition of fatherlynext
as in motherly

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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 fatherly In the wake of Soldier Boy’s resurrection, Homelander is desperate to earn some fatherly affection. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026 Beneath the hum of fluorescent lights, Juvenile pauses mid-negotiation, flips his camera, and offers a grin that feels equal parts fatherly pride and rap-legend cool. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 24 Feb. 2026 LeBron takes an obvious fatherly pride in Bronny's development into a contributor for their short-handed team. — ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026 Yet most movie dads are more likely to be found balancing stellar careers and model parenting (lawyer-dad in To Kill A Mockingbird; Mob-dad in the Godfather films) than exhibiting—let alone acknowledging—their fatherly flaws. — Susie Goldsbrough, The Atlantic, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fatherly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fatherly
  1. motherly
  2. brotherly
  3. sisterly
  4. sentimental
Adjective
  • Donna showed her motherly support in a custom split jersey supporting both teams.
    — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • Things take an unexpected turn when Aemond, mistaking motherly love for romantic love, leans in and kisses Alicent, leaving her shocked and horrified.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026
Definition of motherly
Adjective
  • The continuation of the Corleone Family saga expands until Michael (Al Pacino) commits the ultimate brotherly sin, but the story’s jump back in time — in which Robert De Niro plays a younger version of Marlon Brando’s Vito — features many of the most iconic sequences in 1970s cinema.
    — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026
  • When someone was picking on Ollie recently, Dreyer was proud to overhear Calvin offering big brotherly defense.
    — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 24 June 2026
Definition of brotherly
Adjective
  • That sisterly correction, among a host of other elements as intangible and yet as instantly recognizable as great literary talent, is also part of what drives Lot 35 in Christie’s Exceptional Sale into its current stratosphere.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Inside, Hruskova presided over chats with sisterly energy, dispensing reassurance, pep talks, and relationship tips.
    — Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Definition of sisterly
Adjective
  • At its deepest level, this work is fueled by unconditional love—not sentimental or passive love but love as discipline, courage and commitment.
    — Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The Freakier Friday star also reflected on turning 40 in a sentimental Instagram post.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Definition of sentimental

Browse Nearby Words

fatherless
fatherly
father (on)
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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of fatherly for Spanish Speakers

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