1
as in kids
a male person who has not yet reached adulthood
a giggling little boy ran by
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in boyfriends
a male romantic companion
their teenaged daughter has a new boy, and she's just crazy about him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of boys
For Dua, puberty and social maturity become knotted up in unpredictable notions of bodily harm (whether acted upon, or merely threatened), as Serbian boys and men harass her on the way home from school, lacing their catcalls with ethnic slurs.
—
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 May 2026
There are two teenage boys in the film, Haruki (Waku Kawaguchi) and Keita (Kiyora Fuiwara), whose inchoate erotic feelings for one another, a love that can still barely say its name in provincial Japan, forms a subplot here.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
Then, when Jennifer Wilson, a 2002 graduate who also recalled the past student efforts to get a program started, became the district’s head girls volleyball coach nearly a decade ago, students began reaching out to her, again looking to start a boys high school team.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
In its first boys volleyball final four appearance Lake Brantley (26-3) takes on a familiar foe, Horizon (26-3), in a Thursday afternoon Class 3A state semifinal at Polk State College in Winter Haven.
—Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026
This is why there are no reality shows just about boys.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 13 May 2026
The finish line led runners directly into the Rose Bowl where there was plenty of Por Osos flowing, snacks, interactive games and recovery stations, and a live taping of 2 Bears 1 Cave with our favorite boys and celeb participants.
—Malina Saval, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Lamont Newell, a senior at Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, an all-boys high school in Los Angeles, committed to Columbia University this month, an achievement the university confirmed to ABC News.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
After winning three straight championships from 2022 to 2024, the Buccaneer boys finished runner-up for the second straight year.
—Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 7 May 2026
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 May 2026
There are two teenage boys in the film, Haruki (Waku Kawaguchi) and Keita (Kiyora Fuiwara), whose inchoate erotic feelings for one another, a love that can still barely say its name in provincial Japan, forms a subplot here.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
Then, when Jennifer Wilson, a 2002 graduate who also recalled the past student efforts to get a program started, became the district’s head girls volleyball coach nearly a decade ago, students began reaching out to her, again looking to start a boys high school team.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
In its first boys volleyball final four appearance Lake Brantley (26-3) takes on a familiar foe, Horizon (26-3), in a Thursday afternoon Class 3A state semifinal at Polk State College in Winter Haven.
—Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026
This is why there are no reality shows just about boys.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 13 May 2026
The finish line led runners directly into the Rose Bowl where there was plenty of Por Osos flowing, snacks, interactive games and recovery stations, and a live taping of 2 Bears 1 Cave with our favorite boys and celeb participants.
—Malina Saval, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Lamont Newell, a senior at Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, an all-boys high school in Los Angeles, committed to Columbia University this month, an achievement the university confirmed to ABC News.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
After winning three straight championships from 2022 to 2024, the Buccaneer boys finished runner-up for the second straight year.
—Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boys
Noun
-
The bill would specifically forbid practices that Black Bear, the Stars and other companies have used to monopolize and vertically integrate the youth sports experience in hockey and beyond, driving up costs for families and pricing out many kids.—
Kenny Jacoby,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
-
DJs and live music carry through the day, with a classic car show, a Hair and Fashion Show, and kids’ areas with games, inflatables, and pony rides scattered throughout.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The trouble reportedly started when some of the party attendees started arguing with each other about their boyfriends, witness Jeremiah Braxton told The Associated Press.—
Robert McGreevy,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
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There was a bit of screaming by girls, but the boyfriends who went along wanted to listen to the band.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The crowd consisted of a mixed generation of Pink Floyd fans from teenagers to older attendees in vintage band shirts.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado,
Sacbee.com,
16 May 2026
-
As a result, more American teenagers now receive superior coaching and minutes earlier in their careers.—
Clemente Lisi,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
So are their girlfriends and wives, who support their beaus in stadiums and at home.—
Kate Hogan,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Despite some very not-so-subtle hints from yours truly, my past beaus have never gifted me a handbag on Valentine’s Day, either.—
Michelle Baricevic,
InStyle,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Even the way some of the balls are now, and the way some of these lads can hit the thing.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
-
This place was incredible, and got to enjoy it with some good lads.—
Emily Krauser,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Holly Robinson Peete reads her book My Brother Charlie to youths from Dodgers Dreamteam, Miracle League Los Angeles, on May 9 in Los Angeles.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
-
As of November, veterans and current or former foster youths aged 18-24 were no longer exempt.—
Kaitlyn McCormick,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Boys.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boys. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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