fraternal

adjective

frə-ˈtər-nᵊl How to pronounce fraternal (audio)
Definition of fraternalnext
as in familial
of, relating to, or befitting brothers there was a fraternal bond between the two boys all throughout their school years

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 fraternal And within this triplet set, there's an identical twin set, and then the fraternal sibling. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 The monument was donated by the Milwaukee Loyal Knights of the Round Table, an early 20th century fraternal service organization inspired by the legend of King Arthur. — Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2026 On Monday, the College Football Players Association (CFBPA)—an athlete advocacy organization—announced that a group of Stanford football players have formed the first CFBPA fraternal association. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 July 2026 List current memberships in civic, fraternal, legal or social organizations. — Schnelle Tonge, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fraternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fraternal
  1. familial
  2. brotherly
Adjective
  • That feud went public during Jordan's 2016 stint on The Bachelorette, kicking off years of familial cold-shouldering and skipped family weddings.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Some of the most audacious familial attacks — a departure from past campaigns when Republicans and Democrats barred their operations from such acrimonious hits — have come from Republicans, as polls show their candidates trailing in key races.
    — Dan Merica, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of familial
Adjective
  • But through a bit of TV fame, and Ramsay’s signature yelling, ranting, exasperation and, in the end, brotherly wisdom, perhaps its restaurant dreams can come true.
    — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Probably recordings of them complimenting one another and wishing each other a happy birthday and offering brotherly advice.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of brotherly

Browse Nearby Words

franticness
fraternal
fraternities
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fraternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fraternal. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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