as in maturity
the state of being fully grown or developed
the period between childhood and adulthood is called adolescence
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Recent Examples of adulthood
Childhood has never been easy, but these days the on-ramp to adulthood seems somehow shorter and more perilous.
—
Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Kennedy, who reportedly demonstrated an interest in animals of all kinds from a young age, has become somewhat known for the wacky and eyebrow-raising way that interest has manifested in adulthood.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 May 2026
But at a certain point in adulthood, prayer began to feel useless to me.
—Terry Ward, CNN Money, 4 May 2026
This is to honor the love of a child gone too soon, whether during pregnacy, infancy, childhood or adulthood.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
But studies show that unscheduled time teaches younger kids to be more independent and hone organizational skills that will serve them in adulthood.
—Theo Wolf, CNBC, 1 May 2026
Brain mass reaches its peak in young adulthood and, in most cases, gradually declines with age because of natural atrophy.
—Manjishtha Bhattacharyya, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026
Participants identified barriers facing youth organizations — including limited funding, a need for more training, and gaps in support for young people transitioning into adulthood.
—Eva Andersen, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
This particular adaptation bookends the story with the character Alba (played in young adulthood by Rocío Hernández), the granddaughter of the clairvoyant matriarch Clara del Valle (played in older age by Dolores Fonzi) and the conservative, volatile patriarch Esteban Trueba (Alfonso Herrera).
—Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Kennedy, who reportedly demonstrated an interest in animals of all kinds from a young age, has become somewhat known for the wacky and eyebrow-raising way that interest has manifested in adulthood.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 May 2026
But at a certain point in adulthood, prayer began to feel useless to me.
—Terry Ward, CNN Money, 4 May 2026
This is to honor the love of a child gone too soon, whether during pregnacy, infancy, childhood or adulthood.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
But studies show that unscheduled time teaches younger kids to be more independent and hone organizational skills that will serve them in adulthood.
—Theo Wolf, CNBC, 1 May 2026
Brain mass reaches its peak in young adulthood and, in most cases, gradually declines with age because of natural atrophy.
—Manjishtha Bhattacharyya, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026
Participants identified barriers facing youth organizations — including limited funding, a need for more training, and gaps in support for young people transitioning into adulthood.
—Eva Andersen, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
This particular adaptation bookends the story with the character Alba (played in young adulthood by Rocío Hernández), the granddaughter of the clairvoyant matriarch Clara del Valle (played in older age by Dolores Fonzi) and the conservative, volatile patriarch Esteban Trueba (Alfonso Herrera).
—Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adulthood
maturity
Noun
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In response to these challenges, the company encourages a shift in perspective that supports greater operational maturity.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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From poise and football maturity, Moore plays beyond his years (see his 2025 Penn State tape).—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adulthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adulthood. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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