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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 Mike Moyski and his cousin, Jason Rodich, who was with him that day, also recorded a story. — Heather Brown, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026 Besides her sons, she is survived by grandchildren Dominic, Maggie, Nora and Ella; her sister Theresa (Michael); her nieces, Candice (Gordon) and Melanie (Trey); her nephews, Charles and David; as well as many cousins and extended family. — David Mendell, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 That post has since been taken down, but Chinese officials have said it was indeed written by the woman’s cousin. — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026 Introduced as Superman’s younger, wilder cousin, Kara prefers going on interplanetary benders to fighting for truth, justice and a better tomorrow. — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 18 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
  • Pay attention to people-search sites displaying your address, age, relatives, phone numbers or email addresses.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Hearing my relatives’ stories would have felt different in English.
    — Eythana Miller, The Dial, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of relative
Noun
  • Moira Colley, senior director of media relations for PETA in New York, said earlier in the week that the group planned to meet with Kolb to discuss ending the use of wool and animal skins in clothing.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
  • In the lead-up to the World Cup, Qatar retained at least four of the world’s top public-relations firms.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of relation
Noun
  • The man's family has struggled to get any information from the hospital about his status or location, Lincoln-Goldfinch said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026
  • While speaking to reporters, Janssen recalled learning what had happened to Serkov while having dinner with her family.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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 26 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cousin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cousin

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