motherly

adjective

ˈmə-t͟hər-lē How to pronounce motherly (audio)
Definition of motherlynext
as in maternal
of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother she showed a sweet motherly tenderness toward the tiny kitten she was taking care of

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 motherly Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red is steeped in tradition… and a hearty dose of motherly superstition. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 June 2026 Across San Diego County, there are various ways to celebrate moms and motherly figures. — Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026 The trailer’s slick wordplay and motherly imagery smartly play on both Latto’s Big Mama persona and the pregnancy rumors that have emerged over the past couple of months. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 20 Mar. 2026 Things take an unexpected turn when Aemond, mistaking motherly love for romantic love, leans in and kisses Alicent, leaving her shocked and horrified. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for motherly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motherly
maternal
Adjective
  • Advances in childbirth — including prenatal care, Cesarean sections, blood transfusions, antibiotics and neonatal intensive care — also dramatically improved maternal and infant survival compared with colonial America.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • My maternal grandmother was born in Arizona to parents who fled their home country during the Mexican Revolution, becoming an American citizen by birthright.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of maternal

Browse Nearby Words

mother lodes
motherly
mother-naked
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Cite this Entry

“Motherly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motherly. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motherly

Nglish: Translation of motherly for Spanish Speakers

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