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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 Alliums Many people are surprised to find out that our good old culinary onion (Allium cepa) has a tremendous number of very showy cousins that are grown as ornamental bulbs. — Paul Cappeillo, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026 They are joined by a cousin, Commodore Price, and Margaret's best Detroit girlfriend, Peggy Robinson. — Nicole Avery Nichols, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026 Across from the vitrines are several movie posters that Drexler acquired from her cousin who worked at a movie theater. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 11 Sep. 2026 Parker and their cousin were together through the night until, Toolie-Noongwook said, his cousin started to panic. — Steven Romo, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cousin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cousin
  1. relative
  2. relation
  3. family
  4. kin
  5. kinsman
Noun
  • Authorities have launched a multidisciplinary task force, urged families to report missing relatives immediately, and warned against sharing graphic images or rumors online that could inflame panic or inspire copycat attacks.
    — Mogomotsi Magome, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • No relatives or friends of the three murder victims in his case witnessed Norman's punishment.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of relative
Noun
  • Why do the Browns continue to have avoidable public-relations blunders?
    — Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Associated Press BRUSSELS -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled on Monday a 200-million-euro ($232 million) investment package for Greenland, as the European Union seeks to boost its relations with the vast island.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of relation
Noun
  • Grooming remains one of the biggest threats facing children and families, according to Jenkins.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Bridgespan’s report finds that families in middle-income countries are more likely to administer their own programs than those in higher-income countries.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • His exhausted kin of Gainesville, having spent the morning very much alive and the enormity of a half-decade pummeled, agreed.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The driver’s identity will be released by San Joaquin County coroner’s officials once next-of-kin have been notified.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 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 19 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cousin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cousin

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