cousin

noun

ˈkə-zən How to pronounce cousin (audio)
Definition of cousinnext
as in relative
a person connected with another by blood or marriage we both were surprised to learn that we are distant cousins

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 cousin Another cousin, 27-year-old Zawadi Kavira Musubao, fell ill during the funeral. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 The two attended Starksville High School in MIssissippi together, hail from the same hometown and, most importantly, are cousins. — Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026 Recently affirmed as a distinct species related to the ever-pricey Tyrannosaurus rex, rather than a juvenile of it, Jodi couldn’t best its distant cousin at auction. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Growing up in Atlanta, André recalled being introduced to Polo by his older cousin Travis, whose cast-off shirts became his own. — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cousin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cousin
  1. relative
  2. relation
  3. family
  4. kin
  5. kinsman
Noun
  • Many were physically and verbally abused during raids and arrests and inside Israeli prisons, according to human rights groups, two former detainees and two relatives of current detainees.
    — Kareem Chehayeb, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Families protested in Nairobi in March, demanding their relatives’ return and the prosecution of those responsible.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of relative
Noun
  • If Uncle Sam does not change course, America’s unsustainable fiscal mess will result in adverse economic, national security, foreign relations, and domestic tranquility consequences.
    — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Feingold will oversee media relations, enterprise editorial, and executive, brand, financial and technology communications.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of relation
Noun
  • Gu, a Korean national, said she’s been denied a visa since 2023 to return to China as a family member.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2026
  • In a staff memo, Huang apologized to his family and Nvidia employees.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • The Canadian Armed Forces said that additional details would be confirmed after next-of-kin have been notified.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The person — whose name has not been announced publicly pending next-of-kin notifications — was pronounced dead at the scene.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2026
Definition of kin
Noun
  • Records of public meetings and community newspapers feature jabs at how far these sorry kinsmen have strayed from their heritage.
    — Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026
  • As Molineux passes by, Robin recognizes his kinsman and hears the cruel laughter of the mob.
    — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
Definition of kinsman

Browse Nearby Words

courtyards
cousin
cousins
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Cite this Entry

“Cousin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cousin. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cousin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cousin

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