as in pregnancy
the state of containing unborn young within the body
noticing the telltale bump, we guessed that she was in the family way again
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Recent Examples of family way
That was the family way, as Schadt’s great-grandfather, Jacob Heitzman, started the place in 1891.
—
Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Jan. 2026
The devastation of the accident affected my family way beyond 1979.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2022
One thing that the proud mom believes helped propel her son to success was the Cochran family way, coined by her father in a book.
—Abigail Adams, PEOPLE.com, 9 Feb. 2022
The devastation of the accident affected my family way beyond 1979.
—Jonathon Berlin, sun-sentinel.com, 21 May 2021
Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Jan. 2026
The devastation of the accident affected my family way beyond 1979.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2022
One thing that the proud mom believes helped propel her son to success was the Cochran family way, coined by her father in a book.
—Abigail Adams, PEOPLE.com, 9 Feb. 2022
The devastation of the accident affected my family way beyond 1979.
—Jonathon Berlin, sun-sentinel.com, 21 May 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family way
Noun
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Infections during pregnancy also pose severe risks for mothers who are not vaccinated or immune, including miscarriage and a tenfold increase in death due to pneumonia.—
Jennifer Berry Hawes,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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Shoppers who fluctuate between sizes, dread sitting in rigid denim, have arthritis, and are in the early stages of pregnancy also give the jeans a thumbs-up for their flexible fit, breathable fabric, and easy pull-on design.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Gilligan, who also serves as executive producer, writer and director on the Rhea Seehorn vehicle, previously stated that the gestation of the idea for the sci-fi thriller-comedy spanned a decade.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
7 Feb. 2026
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The calf’s arrival follows a 21-month pregnancy, which is the longest gestation period of any land animal, according to the Smithsonian.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Family way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20way. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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