Synonyms of maternal

maternal

adjective

mə-ˈtər-nᵊl 

as in mother

of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother

her maternal instincts told her that something was wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mother
• parental
• feminine
• motherly
• female
• womanly
• caring
• matronly
• nurturing
• matriarchal
• womanlike
• womanish
• giving

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of maternal

In these photographs, the maternal body enters spaces designed around seduction, aspiration, and idealized femininity without renouncing any of them. — Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026

Rather than a sentimental image of maternal love and devotion, Cassatt depicts the sheer effort of remaining oneself within the consuming closeness of caring for one’s child. — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026

Among other notable claims are 2,267 for pregnancy, birth and maternal care, 1,793 for seizures and 419 for suicide or self-harm. — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Twenty-six years ago, Rwanda recorded roughly 1,000 maternal deaths for every 100,000 births. — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026