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
  • More than one grizzly may have been involved in a bear attack that relatives say left a mother and daughter dead in Bella Coola along the province's central coast, according to the Conservation Officer Service in British Columbia.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Court filings allege that Sapov became obsessed with the victim, tracked down their relatives on social media and sent gifts to the victim’s residence.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of relative
Noun
  • Tariffs and American relations with Canada have been top of mind in parts of the district.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • By contrast, recent restrictions or delays suggest a greater emphasis on managing relations with Beijing and avoiding unnecessary escalation.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of relation
Noun
  • That cute little feral furball was mean as hell and bit, scratched, and ultimately abandoned the family.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Data brokers collect and sell details such as your email address, phone number and information about your family.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cousin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cousin. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cousin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cousin

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