Definition of fraternalnext
as in familial
of, relating to, or befitting brothers there was a fraternal bond between the two boys all throughout their school years

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 fraternal The United States often feels more fractured than fraternal, a search for commonality hard to find in a land of boundaries drawn harder each day. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 Numerous religious orders and fraternal organizations formed to spread this devotion. ABC News, 10 June 2026 His fraternal lodge, the Odd Fellows, organized a group of boys who sold soft drinks at University of Missouri football games. Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026 The fraternal community service organization promotes agriculture and Ramona’s rural community. Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fraternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fraternal
Adjective
  • While no cast members actually broke the law during the show’s production, both Starkey and Taylor-Joy star alongside Annette Bening as criminals with a familial connection in Lucky.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • It’s presented with such grace as Koreeda, once again, metes out details about each character’s own familial backgrounds.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Getz enjoys getting brotherly advice from Hoyer, who executed his own semi-rebuild in 2021 and worked under Theo Epstein on the 2012 Cubs rebuild that ignited the trend across baseball.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In 2023, author Ali Novak, who penned the original My Life with the Walter Boys novel, revealed to Entertainment Weekly how another famous brotherly love triangle inspired her own.
    Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fraternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fraternal. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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