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 My cousin has always been a big talker, boasting about his business, kids, vacation home, whatever. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 4 July 2026 In a sit-down interview with ABC News' Senior National Correspondent Steve Osunsami, Banks met Salvatore Pace, one of his white cousins who is a Jefferson Randolph Coolidge descendant, for the first time. — Briana Stewart, ABC News, 4 July 2026 The Thunder star also spent time playing with his cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the reigning Most Improved Player, who had a game-high seven assists. — Eric Koreen, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Sinon is Odysseus' cousin and a Greek soldier who fought alongside him in the Trojan War. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 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
  • They were filled with protesters — including outraged members of a teachers’ union and relatives of kidnapping victims — as well as fans skeptical of a team that, four years earlier, posted its worst World Cup performance since 1978.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Immigrants from around the world officially became Americans, surrounded by their relatives.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of relative
Noun
  • By 1810, relations between France and Russia were on the rocks, and Europe was hopping toward yet another war.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026
  • However, a pre-set schedule may keep relations stable for a while longer.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of relation
Noun
  • The family fought for three hours last July Fourth to stay alive after more than a summer’s worth of rain fell overnight on bone-dry soil, pushing the waterway from about 3 feet to 30 feet in just 45 minutes.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • History shows family successions, whether in North Korea or Syria, tend to happen through rigid authoritarian control, with the transfer of power underwritten by whoever controls the military.
    — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • House Bill 256 expands rights and protections for foster parents, relative caregivers and fictive kin caregivers.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • The Marine’s name has not been released, in accordance with Navy policy to withhold identification until at least 24 hours after next-of-kin notification, NBC 7 reported.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 28 June 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 10 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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