family

noun

ˈfam-lē How to pronounce family (audio)
Definition of familynext
1
as in clan
a group of persons who come from the same ancestor the Adams family made remarkable contributions to American life for more than two centuries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in kind
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic the flute, the clarinet, the oboe, and other members of the woodwind family

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 family Chiefs guard Trey Smith is not the only member of his family currently in the NFL, as his sister Ashley has a role in the league office. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026 Steve Toussaint’s Lord Corlys knows this all too well, having sacrificed not only his family and legacy, but now his ships and ancestral home in service of Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne. — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026 Anixter, Wrigleyville’s beloved ‘Pink Hat Guy,’ died Tuesday night from complications with surgery, according to his family. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 The thought of families sitting down to watch a Disney movie together is a decades-old picture. — Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for family
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family
  1. clan
  2. kind
  3. house
  4. category
  5. tribe
  6. group
  7. folks
  8. household
Noun
  • There was big news for the Fanning clan on Wednesday morning, with Dakota Fanning nominated for her role in Peacock‘s limited series All Her Fault and Elle Fanning nominated for Apple TV comedy series Margo’s Got Money Troubles.
    — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 8 July 2026
  • The Richards family is one of America’s richest clans, thanks to its electrical manufacturing company Southwire.
    — Simone Melvin, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of clan
Noun
  • Besides Miami, the trial — which Nelson describes as the first of its kind in the nation — will also be conducted at several other academic health centers in the country, as well as in Israel.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
  • While the rest of the fashion industry has yet to stage a meaningful recovery, couture is thriving, supported by high-net-worth clients whose appetite for exclusivity and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship remains strong.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 10 July 2026
Definition of kind
Noun
  • Authorities wanted to close what some consider a legal loophole allowing cardrooms to offer blackjack and games in which players play against the house.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Bieber recently brought down the house at this year’s Coachella, playing both weekends as the headliner.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of house
Noun
  • The roster of shows drawing nominations for reality directing was close to the list of top series nominees in the category.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 July 2026
  • In the future, should both formats reach 20 submissions in the same year, the Television Academy will automatically split the categories into two again.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
Definition of category
Noun
  • Respective leaders from Micron, INL, the Idaho Potato Commission and the three native tribes each said they were honored to take part in the time capsule project.
    — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2026
  • Learn more about the past and present with a visit to the Wind River Indian Reservation, the seventh largest reservation in the country and home to the Eastern Shoshone and the Northern Arapaho tribes.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
Definition of tribe
Noun
  • The musical sequel will center around a group of new teen girls who become the next Cheetah Girls, played by Leah Sava Jeffries, Carmen Sanchez, Kaileen Chang and Sophie Lennon.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 9 July 2026
  • With both nights devolving into chaos, Brooks and the other guys decide to call it quits on this gender experiment and plan to infiltrate the girls’ night and merge groups.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026
Definition of group
Noun
  • Indeed, the folks in Akron, Amherst and Monroe, among other locales, have long awaited the winds of change, which have avoided blowing out the stale air caused by chronic losing.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • That's good news for folks who want their ebikes to make riding even easier and simpler.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 5 July 2026
Definition of folks
Noun
  • It's become a go-to for households who compare it to pricier brands like Dyson.
    — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • This MoneyLion ranking considers mean household incomes, which can be skewed by the ultra-rich.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of household

Phrases Containing family

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families
family
family doctor
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Cite this Entry

“Family.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on family

Nglish: Translation of family for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about family

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