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 Johana and Ana Corina were awakened by the blast, a cousin told the Colombian newspaper El Universal. Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026 At the time her cousin was diagnosed, her three children were ages 7, 6, and 2. Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026 Carolyn was annoyed by Gwyneth Paltrow and was best friends with future Real Housewife Carole Radziwill, who was married to John’s cousin Anthony Radziwill. Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 20 Jan. 2026 Carlton Preppy, high-strung, ambitious, sweater vest-wearing, Tom Jones-loving cousin to the Fresh Prince. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cousin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cousin
Noun
  • The first act of the musical revolves around Seurat and his mistress Dot, while the second act uses the same lead actors to portray two of their relatives, George and Marie.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Jan. 2026
  • As explosions rock Jaffa and the family’s idyllic, prosperous way of life crumbles overnight, Sharif sends his wife, Munira (Maria Zreik), and their children to stay with relatives in the West Bank.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The committee floated a proposal to implement new requirements for where these businesses can be built in relation to each other, and to strengthen pre-existing requirements.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Investors also foresee the strain in China-Japan relations benefitting spending on South Korean businesses, leading to gains for Korean retail and consumer stocks, according to Bloomberg.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The couple, who tied the knot on her 25th birthday in December 2018, included a photo of Riley and Barry giving a warm welcome to their newest family member.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
  • The worst offender was an Ocean Beach property owner who was able to persuade family members, friends and acquaintances to put their names on more than 100 license applications for his huge portfolio of vacation rentals.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But the way Veronika changed her grip on the broom and her movement of it in anticipation of the outcome calls to mind tool-using behaviors in the famously clever primates and corvids (crows and their kin).
    Kate Wong, Scientific American, 19 Jan. 2026
  • Burlington is so little, and Chiasson’s family history runs so deep, that his kin pop up all over the place.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 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 22 Jan. 2026.

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