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

The enterprise continued in Bangkok, the home of Nino’s maternal grandparents, where the budding artist discovered a wealth of antiques and toothsome Thai fruits. — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026

Today this legacy of ignoring or erasing Black women’s pain contributes to their maternal mortality rate being more than three times higher than that of white women. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026

All but one mainstream newspaper have criticized the revisions, and media surveys show a large majority of the public support female monarchs or maternal-line succession. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Tovah Feldshuh also remains a delight as Noah’s mother, Bina, whose effortless Jewishness, fierce maternal love and sharp wit make her one of the show’s most entertaining characters. — Yael Buechler, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026