as in household
of or relating to a household or family
it's a familial duty as well as a tradition for everyone in my family to eat dinner together
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 familial
Alfonso’s familial advantage has irked some Wisconsin Republicans who don’t want the newcomer to glide into such an important position.
—
Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 18 Mar. 2026
Its fragrant yellow blooms, whose production increases as the weather warms, look like a cross between those of a penstemon and a snapdragon, which are familial kin.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026
The film explores cultural themes that touch on Black boyhood, familial relationships, growing up in the church, crime, forgiveness and redemption.
—Kara Frame, NPR, 12 Mar. 2026
The reason the Sea Captain’s House is renowned for its familial hospitality might have something to do with the special place that contains it.
—Chelsea Brasted, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for familial
Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 18 Mar. 2026
Its fragrant yellow blooms, whose production increases as the weather warms, look like a cross between those of a penstemon and a snapdragon, which are familial kin.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026
The film explores cultural themes that touch on Black boyhood, familial relationships, growing up in the church, crime, forgiveness and redemption.
—Kara Frame, NPR, 12 Mar. 2026
The reason the Sea Captain’s House is renowned for its familial hospitality might have something to do with the special place that contains it.
—Chelsea Brasted, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for familial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for familial
Adjective
-
Poinsettias, with their vibrant red leaves, are often the star of household Christmas decorations.—
Elliott Harrell,
Southern Living,
5 Dec. 2025
-
Starting October 1st, the brand is ending its Prime Invitee Program, which previously allowed non-household members to enjoy benefits like free shipping.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
His signature domestic policy, aimed at tightening voting rules ahead of November's midterm elections, has stalled in a Congress his party controls, while the House Republican majority is in jeopardy and the party's hold on the Senate is less certain than a year ago.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
-
International migration accounted for 55,444 new people and domestic migration accounted for 18,197 new people.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Familial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/familial. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
