as in maturity
the state of being fully grown or developed
the period between childhood and adulthood is called adolescence
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Recent Examples of adulthood
Past, present, and future versions of the South Park figures—childhood’s tokens, mined and mined again—are made to converge around adulthood’s most representative, most depressing reality.
—
Theo Belci, Artforum, 2 June 2026
But the aftermath of Nora’s death forces Cal to find a new way forward, and his emotions surrounding his journey to adulthood feel both specific and universal.
—Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
The drinks cabinet became a symbol of arrival, achievement and adulthood.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
In an era shaped by social media, widening inequality, and constant exposure to other people’s relationships, wealth, and success, jealousy has become one of the defining but least honestly discussed emotions of adulthood.
—Meehika Barua, Time, 29 May 2026
If a child performs poorly in school, that can have cascading effects through adulthood, Zierold said.
—ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026
The twins are now preparing to enter adulthood.
—Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
There are few series on TV that deal with this period of adulthood − not quite young, not quite old − with such nuance.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Research in gerontology, rehabilitation and occupational psychology increasingly shows that work may also reinforce your sense of self, while providing structure, social interaction, routine and meaning, especially in later adulthood.
—Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 27 May 2026
Theo Belci, Artforum, 2 June 2026
But the aftermath of Nora’s death forces Cal to find a new way forward, and his emotions surrounding his journey to adulthood feel both specific and universal.
—Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
The drinks cabinet became a symbol of arrival, achievement and adulthood.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
In an era shaped by social media, widening inequality, and constant exposure to other people’s relationships, wealth, and success, jealousy has become one of the defining but least honestly discussed emotions of adulthood.
—Meehika Barua, Time, 29 May 2026
If a child performs poorly in school, that can have cascading effects through adulthood, Zierold said.
—ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026
The twins are now preparing to enter adulthood.
—Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
There are few series on TV that deal with this period of adulthood − not quite young, not quite old − with such nuance.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Research in gerontology, rehabilitation and occupational psychology increasingly shows that work may also reinforce your sense of self, while providing structure, social interaction, routine and meaning, especially in later adulthood.
—Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adulthood
maturity
Noun
-
Later, the Capricorn Moon brings maturity to partnership dynamics.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 June 2026
-
This long maturity makes their prices fluctuate when rates move.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adulthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adulthood. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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