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 The plan targets maternal and mental health, endometriosis and other conditions, but sets no specific funding goals as the administration faces declining support among women voters. — Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 According to the White House, the order calls for targeting maternal health, mental health and endometriosis. — Bill Barrow, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026 They are usually still protected by maternal antibodies, experts say. — Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026 With nowhere to put her maternal love after the loss of her son Jason, Pam Voorhees (Linda Cardellini) soon takes an interest in Grace, whose own mom appears to be abusive and neglectful. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maternal
  1. parental
  2. feminine
  3. motherly
Adjective
  • The researchers did not assess parenting quality or childrenâs health, and the findings do not establish that parental cannabis use causes adverse child outcomes.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Oster suggested states should consider tax credits to entice employers to offer parental leave, and should try to increase public awareness of her survey’s results, especially among small businesses.
    — David Lim, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of parental
Adjective
  • Designers like Chloé and Bottega Veneta have used the earthy color as a way to contrast sexy silhouettes or ground feminine pieces.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Hadid immediately set the tone for not only the feminine prowess that would fill the stage but the ethereal beauty, too.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of feminine
Adjective
  • With the blessing of the shrewd but motherly Headmistress Francis (Heather Alicia Simms), Paulina has decided to compete in the Miss Ghana 1986 pageant, hoping to reach the Miss Universe competition.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
  • An architectural historian who specializes in 19th-century Turkish interiors, Sedef Piker is a supporting character on the stream — occasionally popping up in the background with some mezze or motherly wisdom.
    — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of motherly

Browse Nearby Words

matériel
maternal
maternity
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Cite this Entry

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

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