GROWN-UPS Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

grown-ups

noun

plural of grown-up

as in adults

a fully grown person once you turn 12, you get to eat with the grown-ups at Thanksgiving

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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 grown-ups Over the past few weeks, it's been mostly students, not grown-ups, who have led the opposition to a Camas High cross country runner competing against girls after starting the season on the boys team. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The sweet yellow box bedroom is a hit with kids, and grown-ups will appreciate the calm, thoughtful set up. — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grown-ups

adults

Noun

In a study published this year with Redzo Mujcic of Warwick Business School, Graham followed 25,000 Australian adults for 14 years.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
The analysis suggested melatonin could offer advantages over traditional sedatives for older adults, who may be more susceptible to confusion after surgery.

— Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of adults

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grown up

grown-ups

grows

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“Grown-ups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grown-ups. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of grown-ups

noun

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