family

noun

ˈfam-lē How to pronounce family (audio)
Definition of familynext
1
as in clan
a group of persons who come from the same ancestor the Adams family made remarkable contributions to American life for more than two centuries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in kind
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic the flute, the clarinet, the oboe, and other members of the woodwind family

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 family Chad Gable and Penta shook hands as Gable’s family watched from ringside. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 In the cold light of day, though, Helaena has grown wary of her family’s dragon obsession. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 The trip was Tal's first extended journey without his family. — Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 No family references existed in the databases to make a DNA match, so the case went cold again. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for family
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family
  1. clan
  2. kind
  3. house
  4. category
  5. tribe
  6. group
  7. folks
  8. people
Noun
  • Create characters built around lifepaths, natures, clan traits, and merits.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 30 July 2026
  • The Sussex clan, which has had an estranged relationship with the royal family in recent years, met with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House, Charles and Camilla's private country residence in Gloucestershire, England.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of clan
Noun
  • The kind who drive across town for the right crust and aren't afraid to wait for it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Berto Industria Tessile, which specializes in premium denim for fashion, accessories and furniture and has a bespoke arm for one-of-a-kind fabrics, has played a key role in adapting the fiber for use in denim.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
Definition of kind
Noun
  • Allen said the house needed to be gutted, the inside was deteriorating and termites were eating at the doors.
    — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • New Delhi — For decades, India was relegated to fashion’s backyard, with its embroidery and garment export houses manufacturing everything from ready-to-wear to couture for the world’s biggest luxury brands.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of house
Noun
  • Rooms There are 187 airy, loft-style, soundproofed suites spread across 10 categories, from the entry-level premium room to the sprawling gran suites.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • The Bayou State was ranked last for crime and corrections and scored low in the economy and natural environment categories.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 29, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of category
Noun
  • The defining anti-woke ads of 2024 were about taxpayer funding for gender surgery, not listing the tribes of Milwaukee.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 21 July 2026
  • According to Werkheiser, the ACHP proposal also reduces what may be considered historic property eligible for protection, which could mean that land considered sacred to Indigenous tribes would lose protection.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of tribe
Noun
  • Prepare for a wait—on busy weekends, this casual spot attracts a crowd, with waits up to two hours for groups.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • That message tells us so much about Shai and his standing in the group.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 30 July 2026
Definition of group
Noun
  • Soon, the Toupses began feeding employees’ friends and families who were also struggling, and as word spread, more folks in need started reaching out.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Food people are normally a raucous, emotive bunch, but there was a tightness in the air as folks arrived and took their seats.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of folks
Noun
  • Another 13 people were wounded on downtown Sacramento’s K Street and 10th Street, in what became the deadliest mass shooting in the city’s history.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
  • Organizers say more than 125,000 people are expected throughout the event, bringing in millions of dollars for the local economy.
    — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Definition of people

Phrases Containing family

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families
family
family doctor
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Cite this Entry

“Family.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on family

Nglish: Translation of family for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about family

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