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
Read on for the products, routines, style staples, and parenting philosophies getting her through this season of motherhood. — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2026 The demands of parenting alone can lead to isolation, but technology is playing a role, too. — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
Reminiscent of the discussions around Michael Jackson’s upbringing, this Lanterns episode has sparked specific conversations about parenting Black boys and children into greatness, and what actions constitute abusive or unhealthy parenting. — Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026 The plan also expands efforts to help fathers spend more time parenting. — Brian Mann, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parenting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parenting
  1. parenthood
  2. raising
  3. maternity
  4. nurturing
  5. mothering
Noun
  • Since becoming a father, Allen has also opened up about how parenthood has changed his perspective on football.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Though Ursula loves her daughter, the film suggests that there are consequences for not always being keen on parenthood and for maybe sometimes wanting to live one’s own life.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of parenthood
Verb
  • And already this week, at least one county official is raising questions about why his locality is on the DOJ's list.
    — Miles Parks, NPR, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Privacy concerns The very same design elements that make Muse so appealing to AI newcomers are also raising privacy concerns.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of raising
Noun
  • Cleared for sale in Europe in 2025, OdonAssist is now used in maternity hospitals in seven European countries, and more than 600 babies have been delivered with it, according to the company.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Canadian singer Keshia Chanté dispelled the rumors of Drizzy being the father of her baby after speculation continued to mount following her maternity photo shoot landing on social media.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of maternity
Verb
  • Thank you, Uncle Tim, for nurturing me in so many ways throughout my life.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Launched in 2024, the initiative is part of El Gouna’s CineGouna Emerge program aimed at nurturing the next generation of MENA film professionals.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of nurturing
Noun
  • The cultural ascendance of intensive mothering, in which mothers are deemed entirely responsible for their children’s well-being and success, has upped the ante.
    — Marianne Cooper, Time, 5 Aug. 2026
  • To make their point perfectly clear, women are sharing photos of themselves breastfeeding in front of Old Masters paintings in museums that depict the very same mothering act.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of mothering

Browse Nearby Words

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 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on parenting

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parenting

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