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 My cousin, who thankfully has power of attorney, uncovered checks made out to the brother. — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 10 July 2026 That same month, Roman moved to Ohio to live with his cousin and her husband, Jose Cruz, court papers said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 July 2026 José Repillosa, cousin of Juan Carlos Villegas Castillo, said the family had to travel by boat from Choroní, in Aragua state, to La Guaira to search for him after the earthquakes. — Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026 According to People, William’s cousin Peter Phillips was also in attendance alongside his wife, Harriet Sperling, and her daughter from a previous relationship, Georgina. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cousin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cousin
  1. relative
  2. relation
  3. family
  4. kin
  5. kinsman
Noun
  • Stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026
  • The film cuts to a crematorium, where a child observes a shelf full of urns for people whose remains were never picked up by their relatives.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 11 July 2026
Definition of relative
Noun
  • One is Michel, who is basically debating whether to end his relation with the older and widowed Irène.
    — André Aciman, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
  • While Pretelin and Valdés Ugalde have warned that Sheinbaum’s announcement spells trouble for US-Mexico relations, some experts believe that the Mexican president hasn’t gone nearly far enough.
    — Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
Definition of relation
Noun
  • The family fought for three hours last July Fourth to stay alive after more than a summer’s worth of rain fell overnight on bone-dry soil, pushing the waterway from about 3 feet to 30 feet in just 45 minutes.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • History shows family successions, whether in North Korea or Syria, tend to happen through rigid authoritarian control, with the transfer of power underwritten by whoever controls the military.
    — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • Sheriff’s officials said the body will be taken to the Gunnison County Coroner’s Office and that no further information will be released until the pilot’s next-of-kin have been notified.
    — The Denver Post, Denver Post, 13 July 2026
  • House Bill 256 expands rights and protections for foster parents, relative caregivers and fictive kin caregivers.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 29 June 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cousin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cousin. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cousin

Nglish: Translation of cousin for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cousin

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