Definition of kinsmannext
as in cousin
a person connected with another by blood or marriage to protect the family honor, he sought to revenge the murder of his kinsman

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 kinsman But the chief’s kinsmen failed to honor his request. Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025 Compared to Joshua Thompson and his kinsmen, the McAlberts of Canton were mere liegemen in the local hackerama. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 24 Aug. 2025 Our family grew—from the three siblings left in the wake of our mother’s death—to a bustling bunch of kinsmen redeemers. James T. Farmer, Southern Living, 8 July 2025 Rediscovering his family’s ancestral land centuries after the religious wars forced those kinsmen to flee, our caballero soon steps in to protect a local clan from an oppressive landowner and his abusive henchmen. Ben Croll, Variety, 20 Sep. 2024 At the time of President Lincoln's assassination, my father was in Washington visiting his kinsman, Col. Thomas M. Vincent, who was on the staff of the Adjutant General. Chris Ciaccia, Fox News, 3 Sep. 2020 Women were rewarded for refusing to shelter men, including kinsmen, who were involved in the genocide, and for testifying against their rapists. Rania Abouzeid, National Geographic, 15 Oct. 2019 Their kinsmen, already in the United States, have been vital factors in farm and workshop for generations. Lily Rothman, Time, 20 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kinsman
Noun
  • Over the holiday season, a cousin of mine went out West to visit his parents, leaving me his car, an elderly Hyundai pushing 175,000 miles that is literally held together with tape.
    Daniel Brook, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • At the end of Season 3, Francesca’s beloved, steady husband John (Victor Alli) welcomed a visit from his dashing (and most favorite cousin) Michaela.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Survivors, relatives and Cal-OSHA raised concerns about the conditions under which workers were employed, including allegations that some were paid in cash and received little to no safety training.
    Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Endosperm is only found in flowering plants, although a few close relatives like the nonflowering shrubby joint fir, Ephedra, have its rudiments.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Kinsman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kinsman. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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