parenting 1 of 2

noun

ˈper-ən-tiŋ How to pronounce parenting (audio)
Definition of parentingnext
as in parenthood
the caring for a child by its parents as the big day approaches, the expectant couple are starting to get worried about their fitness for parenting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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parenting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of parent
as in raising
to bring forth and raise to maturity through care and education They expertly parent their second child using all the lessons learned from raising their first.

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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 parenting
Noun
At 35, the duo become empty nesters and decide to get divorced and dive headfirst into the world of dating, all while navigating co-parenting. — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 From your co-parent’s perspective, this likely feels less about extended learning and more about being excluded from an important parenting decision. — Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 28 June 2026
Verb
When a mysterious egg hatches during a mission and the baby imprints on Ken, he's thrust into the role of parenting a newborn Gigantron. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 19 June 2026 Dreyer also brings in parenting experts to offer advice on relatable topics like parenting teenagers, the part of parenting that doesn't come naturally to her, and whether to skip birthday parties. — Parents, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for parenting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parenting
  1. parenthood
  2. raising
  3. maternity
  4. nurturing
  5. mothering
Noun
  • Now, parenthood begins an entirely different approach that the couple will have to learn to manage alongside their professional responsibilities.
    — Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • The couple has been open about their journey to parenthood via social media as residents of California, a surrogacy-friendly state.
    — Morgan Mouchette, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of parenthood
Verb
  • But a fresh start comes with plenty of new challenges — from rival ranchers and relentless cattle work to the unexpected trials of raising their teenage son, Carter (Finn Little).
    — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • SpaceX went public in June, raising roughly $75 billion in the largest IPO on record.
    — Luke Fountain,Justin Papp, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Definition of raising
Noun
  • At work on a thesis about the history of maternity fashion, Grace Wikowski, a graduate student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, noted how Princess Diana did not shy away from the public eye during her pregnancies in the 1980s.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
  • She was forced to wait until the next morning, when shooting stopped, to find a motorcycle taxi driver willing to navigate around barricades and checkpoints to reach the maternity hospital.
    — Tirana Hassan, Time, 26 June 2026
Definition of maternity
Verb
  • That was huge, because Mary has had the realization that what was supposed to be a nurturing maternal force in her life had a damaging impact on her.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 30 June 2026
  • Too many nonprofits rely heavily on social platforms or short-term fundraising pushes instead of consistently nurturing donor relationships.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of nurturing
Noun
  • Yet the history of motherhood has remained largely untold, and the narrative is not often driven by the people who do the actual mothering.
    — Holly Corbett, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • Each statue the perfect epitome of silent, mothering, virginal womanhood that Ireland had come to worship.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 May 2026
Definition of mothering

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parenthood
parenting
parents
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on parenting

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parenting

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