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 Pea gravel is certainly very popular right now, but don't forget about its older cousin, the classic gravel. Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 17 Feb. 2026 Pritzker is the cousin of JB Pritzker, the Democratic Illinois governor, and had served as Hyatt executive chairman since 2004. Tom Ozimek, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2026 Urban coyotes tend to live longer, more densely and more nocturnally than their country cousins. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 17 Feb. 2026 Buckner’s cousin, the actress and singer Jennifer Hudson, lost three members of their family in a triple homicide. Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cousin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cousin
Noun
  • Police say that at the time of the spree, Bryant was living with a relative on 6th Street in Richmond, a little less than two miles from where the attacks occurred.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Both contenders are synapsids, or members of a group that includes mammals and their extinct relatives, and would have measured around 20 to 30 inches long without their tail.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In a sign of how bitter relations have sunk, in January star Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman had his Indian Premier League contract abruptly canceled, prompting Dhaka to ban broadcasts of the league in retaliation.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
  • That effort ultimately was unsuccessful and helped create Lightfoot’s sour relations with the City Council toward the end of her single term.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In the courtroom will be parents and families from across the US who say their children were harmed — or even died — as a result of social media.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, D-San Francisco, said her bill, AB 1846, would allow judges to place a child with a family member at any point during the foster care process.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The victim was transferred to the Monterey County coroner's office for identification and notifying next-of-kin, deputies said.
    Tim Fang, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Social capital and child development Immigrant grandparents and extended kin often play an active role in children’s lives.
    Sothy Eng, The Conversation, 2 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But the chief’s kinsmen failed to honor his request.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Compared to Joshua Thompson and his kinsmen, the McAlberts of Canton were mere liegemen in the local hackerama.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 24 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cousin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cousin. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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