as in grown-ups
a fully grown person
at the beach, the adults sat under broad umbrellas while the children splashed in the water
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Recent Examples of adults
While everyone can be affected by smoke or ozone, the MPCA says those at higher risk of health complications include outdoor workers, older adults, children, those who are pregnant, and those who have heart or lung conditions.
—
Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
Shingles doesn’t only affect older adults.
—Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 7 May 2026
For families While the guests are mainly adults, some young families tote along their kids.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
Andre was moved between detention facilities for about two weeks before she was also sent to Dilley and kept in a separate section for single adults.
—Daniella Silva, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Experts say the appeal often goes beyond simple fandom, with many adults drawn to the parks for a sense of nostalgia, comfort and connection.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Tickets for the festival are $10 for adults.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
For older adults, the cognitive payoff is notable too.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
After their beloved, but toxic, friend group is shaken to its core by one couple's split and their friend's death, the six adults have to figure out a way to move on.
—Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
Shingles doesn’t only affect older adults.
—Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 7 May 2026
For families While the guests are mainly adults, some young families tote along their kids.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
Andre was moved between detention facilities for about two weeks before she was also sent to Dilley and kept in a separate section for single adults.
—Daniella Silva, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Experts say the appeal often goes beyond simple fandom, with many adults drawn to the parks for a sense of nostalgia, comfort and connection.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Tickets for the festival are $10 for adults.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
For older adults, the cognitive payoff is notable too.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
After their beloved, but toxic, friend group is shaken to its core by one couple's split and their friend's death, the six adults have to figure out a way to move on.
—Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adults
elders
Noun
-
But in an abrupt shift, a new poll released Monday finds young people’s confidence has plummeted over the past two years — while their elders remain more upbeat.—
Nicholas Riccardi,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
-
Cox formulated his players-first approach by studying his elders.—
Mark Bradley for the AJC,
AJC.com,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adults.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adults. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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