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 The remains were identified as those of the Ohio architect, his fiancee, her sister and a female cousin. — Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026 Through four generations, the Prisco family tree became deeply rooted in the store – with aunts, uncles, spouses and dozens of cousins all pitching in to stock shelves, slice meat and display produce. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 She was also accompanied by her mother Kelly Cunningham, sister Grace Nickels, cousins Charlotte Long and Daphne Merrymen, and friends Ally Gasparian and Lily Kershaw present for the big reveal. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 26 July 2026 The restaurant also serves burek, a cousin to Greek spanakopita. — Timothy Depeugh, Southern Living, 25 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
  • Two of the suspect’s relatives were found dead inside his home, cops said.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
  • Other qualifying relatives will generally need to live with you for more than half the year.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of relative
Noun
  • Waltz reaffirmed that a deal providing a civilian nuclear program for Saudi Arabia will not take effect until the kingdom normalizes relations with Israel.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Putin, on the other hand, has no problem rupturing his trade relations, and with them international investment and other forms of connectivity.
    — Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of relation
Noun
  • For families Families are welcome and extra beds can be added, but bear in mind the elevation, rocky terrain and malaria risk.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
  • The Sun in your 4th House of Home opposes Pluto in your 10th House of Career, stirring pressure around family needs, professional expectations, privacy, and control.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • Under the microscope, the researchers observed these supergiants running over smaller kin and engulfing them whole at the rate of one every 10 minutes.
    — Jay Kakade July 23, Refractor, 23 July 2026
  • While porch geese and their kin are having a comeback, over time camp décor can age your entryway if it’s not done with intention.
    — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 20 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 31 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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