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
Registration for adults is $40; veterans and first responders pay $25.
—
Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Feb. 2026
Now, thanks to a recent marketing makeover, women and older adults are buying into the creatine craze and more brands are getting on board.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026
More than 70% of American adults are very or somewhat concerned about exposure to toxic chemicals in their food and drinking water, according to a new survey by the Pew Charitable Trusts.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Muscle loss in particular can increase the risk of frailty, falls, and other complications—especially in older adults—and in severe cases, may even contribute to death.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2026
The kids who struggle the most have often experienced more punishment than many adults will encounter in a lifetime.
—Ross W. Greene, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
A lot of them were very underweight, especially the adults.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Super-agers offer 25-plus years of cognitive clues This research marks the first discovery of a genetic difference between super-agers and typical older adults, according to the Northwestern SuperAging Program.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
For families Son Xotano is an adults-only property.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Feb. 2026
Now, thanks to a recent marketing makeover, women and older adults are buying into the creatine craze and more brands are getting on board.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026
More than 70% of American adults are very or somewhat concerned about exposure to toxic chemicals in their food and drinking water, according to a new survey by the Pew Charitable Trusts.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Muscle loss in particular can increase the risk of frailty, falls, and other complications—especially in older adults—and in severe cases, may even contribute to death.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2026
The kids who struggle the most have often experienced more punishment than many adults will encounter in a lifetime.
—Ross W. Greene, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
A lot of them were very underweight, especially the adults.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Super-agers offer 25-plus years of cognitive clues This research marks the first discovery of a genetic difference between super-agers and typical older adults, according to the Northwestern SuperAging Program.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
For families Son Xotano is an adults-only property.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adults
elders
Noun
-
Lilian suspected that the Hazels of the world would often be reminded by their elders to be grateful and happy, as though gratitude would guarantee happiness, or else a happy façade would take the sting off that onerous task of feeling grateful.—
Yiyun Li,
New Yorker,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Born in India, Khot came to the United States 30 years ago with his parents, who emphasized education and respect for elders.—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Adults.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adults. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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