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boys

noun

plural of boy
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

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 boys When Fridays were for dates, boys were for fun, and girlfriends were soulmates. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2026 Brody Drewes shot 68 (-4) to help Lake Minneola boys golf edge Eustis by one stroke to win the West Orange Invitational. — Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026 Even though the Longs have no more boys arriving at La Serna, there’s a sister who will be freshman next year at La Serna. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026 Three students emerge as protagonists, two troublemaking boys and an outcast girl, who unsteadily becomes their friend. — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026 These boys and girls love fashion for things that are beautiful, but worn in a way that is from their mum’s wardrobe. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 Unfortunately, Sara went into premature labor, and her twin boys were stillborn. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026 Four teenage boys face felony charges after allegedly hazing a football teammate in their school's locker room, police say. — Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026 Jenkins said sextortion is another significant concern that can impact children with law enforcement seeing particularly serious impacts among teen boys. — Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boys
  1. kids
  2. boyfriends
  3. teenagers
  4. beaux
  5. lads
  6. youths
Noun
  • That’s because the Hoosier state has opted into the new federal program that allows donor money to fund scholarships — for private school or any number of other educational expenses, like tutoring — for low-income kids.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • New this year is Queer Family, dedicated to kids and their families, with a focus on culturally enriching independent films that explore themes of inclusion and identity.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of kids
Noun
  • The book is set around three years after the events of Heated Rivalry and sees Shane and Ilya as secret boyfriends while both play for Canadian hockey teams.
    — Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The tired, the sick, the hungry, the famous and tons of ex-boyfriends, all regretting their wrongs.
    — Courtney Love, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of boyfriends
Noun
  • Agarwal is, like a lot of teenagers, feeling the pangs of a life less traveled, IRL.
    — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Both teenagers had extensive criminal records and were known gang members, Detective Angel Rodriguez, a sheriff’s office spokesman, previously told the Miami Herald.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of teenagers
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
Definition of beaux
Noun
  • Kyle Walker and even some of the foreign lads were taking the p***.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • About how many pounds of fish do each of these strapping, 1,100-lb lads eat per day?
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of lads
Noun
  • Local news video showed the bridge temporarily closed as LAPD officers stood among youths lined up with their hands zip-tied behind their backs.
    — Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • At the same time, Wilson and two youths were several yards north on the platform.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026
Definition of youths

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Boys.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boys. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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