Definition of maternalnext
as in mother
of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother her maternal instincts told her that something was wrong

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 maternal Like all other flowering plants, grasses wrap the embryo and endosperm in layers of maternal tissue. Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026 His maternal grandfather, Mario Montes, played accordion in the seminal norteño duo Los Donneños, which began performing throughout the Rio Grande Valley in the 1940s. Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, NPR, 24 Mar. 2026 In The Metamorphosis, Grete is more maternal than her mother. Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 Particulate matter from fossil fuel emissions is also linked to cardiovascular events and negative effects on maternal fetal health. Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maternal
Adjective
  • For many families, these projects are meant to be completed independently—or at least mostly by the child—but one Easter creation shared on social media has sparked a heated debate about parental involvement.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
  • There’s a strong case to be made that all children are best off with their parents in the early weeks of life, which paid parental leave would help deliver.
    Abby McCloskey, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • By combining elements of traditional masculine dressing with the traditionally feminine ballet flat, brands are participating in the trend without alienating shoppers.
    Jack Stanley, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Pink and white jelly floral nails Floral manicures are always pretty, but this look takes the feminine vibe to the next level.
    Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Foxie probably expresses her motherly instincts with her dolls, Goodrich said.
    KYLE MELNICK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Maternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maternal. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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