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 Around that same time in 2013, Lindsay met Patrick Clancy through his sister and one of his cousins, per a profile in The New Yorker. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 What might be good health advice for your cousin might be unhelpful or potentially harmful for you. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 In a few months, Abdeen’s siblings, cousins, and uncles would go off on their annual Christmastime hunts. — Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026 His aunt gave birth to Crouch’s older cousin, Trey, exactly four years earlier, on April 4. — Kansas City Star, 21 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
  • Meanwhile, the aging bachelor lived as something of a recluse in the Independence mansion occupied by multiple other relatives and in-laws.
    — Dan Kelly August 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The decline in migration has not ended dangerous crossings from Tunisia’s southern coast, where families in the south, particularly in Zarzis, have for years searched for relatives who disappeared at sea.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of relative
Noun
  • After Bessent’s announcement, Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the US is not in an economic position to restrict its relations with other countries.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Takaichi's remark crossed what China considers a red line in its relations with other countries about Taiwan, which is a self-governing island that Beijing claims as its territory.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of relation
Noun
  • The story tracks a Chinese chef who moves to the Middle East to clear family debts by running a restaurant, only to see the venue become a community refuge when armed conflict breaks out across the region.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Before her death, several Ruston businesses participated in a fundraiser to celebrate Lillian’s birthday and donate part of their proceeds to the family, according to CNN affiliate KNOE.
    — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • In a news release Thursday, the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office detailed its efforts to identify and find kin for a man found floating in a portion of the lengthy creek that goes through Metcalf Park on June 14, 1997.
    — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 28 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cousin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cousin

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