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 Though the eldest sibling in her immediate family, Vollering had older cousins who already cycled competitively in the Netherlands. — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026 And Isabella’s body was the last to be pulled from the rubble, the triplets’ cousin Camila Martínez Sierra said. — Uriel Blanco, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026 Think of it as the more matte, concentrated cousin of the beloved Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (an editor-favorite formula that won a 2024 Readers' Choice Award). — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026 William’s aunt, Princess Anne, and his cousin, Zara Tindall, were also in attendance. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 14 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
  • Luk, an only child who grew up surrounded by cousins, was amused by the way relatives can inhabit incompatible versions of the same history.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • These are harmless plant relatives consisting of an algae and fungus growing together.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of relative
Noun
  • Officials will discuss strengthening Iran-Iraq relations, border security, economic cooperation and counterterrorism, among other topics, the broadcaster IRIB reported.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • To date, relations between First Tee and the neighborhood have been cordial, but the initial plan has not been well received.
    — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of relation
Noun
  • Medicaid, the federal-state program that covers healthcare for low-income families, pays for at least 40% of births nationwide.
    — Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Roman said the question will be if the defense focuses on their own psychiatric experts right away, or Clancy's friends and family to humanize her to the jurors.
    — Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • Police did not release the names, ages or genders of the victims, saying next-of-kin notifications were underway.
    — Reuters, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The names of the soldiers are being withheld until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification, the Army said.
    — Luis Martinez, ABC News, 12 Aug. 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 21 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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