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 In the Argentine Pampas, cousins Guillermina and Belinda cannot wait to grow up. — Manahil Tahira, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026 The Wisconsin teenager accused of killing his 10-year-old cousin, Lily Peters, in 2022 may not face a November trial after a resolution hearing was scheduled in the case. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Assad's cousin Atef Najib, who was blamed for atrocities that helped trigger the uprising in Syria 15 years ago, was put on trial in April. — Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2026 McGee was ‘a rockstar’ McGee’s cousins Keyvonna Ward, Shay White and Nana Robinson watched the community response from a different perspective. — Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cousin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cousin
  1. relative
  2. relation
  3. family
  4. kin
  5. kinsman
Noun
  • At that point, the group had been missing for more than 24 hours and their relatives hadn’t been able to reach them, the agency said.
    — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026
  • From then on, my brother and I grew up in upper-middle-class Delhi, surrounded by relatives.
    — Karan Mahajan, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of relative
Noun
  • Forest and peat fires are an annual problem in Indonesia, which strains relations with neighboring countries.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • After Kim Jong Un became North Korea’s leader, in late 2011, the country’s relations with China plummeted because of disagreements over Pyongyang’s actions, including Kim’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and the arrest and execution of Kim’s uncle.
    — ZHENG JIYONG, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of relation
Noun
  • Fashion, beauty, hospitality, entertainment and luxury are increasingly part of the commercial ecosystem surrounding the sport, while brands including Disney and LEGO are using F1 Academy to reach women, families and younger consumers.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In the new science-fiction mystery The End of Oak Street, Hathaway stars alongside Ewan McGregor as a couple whose family comes face-to-face with dinosaurs in their neighborhood.
    — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • Duckworth's bill, if passed, would require the Pentagon to combine all casualty records for the Iran war into a single count and notify the next-of-kin of those killed of the corrections.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The same forces now shape the wider world of compliance attestation ISO 27001 certification, CMMC assessments and their kin.
    — Amir Tarighat, Forbes.com, 31 July 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 14 Aug. 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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