maternal

adjective

mə-ˈtər-nᵊl How to pronounce maternal (audio)
Definition of maternalnext
as in mother
of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother her maternal instincts told her that something was wrong

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 maternal Michelle Obama is a shining example of this inspirational leadership, the kind also demonstrated by my mother and aunties, my sister and sister- friends, by my pastor and elders, and by my colleagues in the maternal and infant health space. — Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 My maternal grandmother was born in Arizona to parents who fled their home country during the Mexican Revolution, becoming an American citizen by birthright. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 The children’s mother, Sarah Myers, 44, and their maternal grandmother, Amy Steadman, 64, were also found dead, Mechanicville police said. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 26 June 2026 Advances in childbirth — including prenatal care, Cesarean sections, blood transfusions, antibiotics and neonatal intensive care — also dramatically improved maternal and infant survival compared with colonial America. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for maternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maternal
  1. parental
  2. feminine
  3. motherly
Adjective
  • But then someone leaves, gets sick, takes parental leave or takes time away from their core tasks to onboard a new colleague.
    — Christina Greenberg, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Under amendments to Washington state laws passed in 2023, shelters don’t have to notify parents whose children seek gender-affirming treatment and reproductive health services if shelter workers fear doing so could lead to parental abuse or neglect.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Definition of parental
Adjective
  • The juxtaposition of the apex masculinity of the professional athlete with traditionally feminine signifiers of the luxury handbag does seem to short circuit something in the wider culture.
    — Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • The brand's elevated styles are heavily marked down right now, including the feminine Lace Midi Dress at 57 percent off and the flattering Colorblock High-rise Riley Trousers at 54 percent off.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Definition of feminine
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

Browse Nearby Words

matériel
maternal
maternity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maternal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on maternal

Nglish: Translation of maternal for Spanish Speakers

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