fatherly

adjective

Definition of fatherlynext
as in motherly

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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 fatherly In the wake of Soldier Boy’s resurrection, Homelander is desperate to earn some fatherly affection. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026 Delroy Lindo then enveloped him in a fatherly embrace. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026 Beneath the hum of fluorescent lights, Juvenile pauses mid-negotiation, flips his camera, and offers a grin that feels equal parts fatherly pride and rap-legend cool. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 24 Feb. 2026 Mychal’s fatherly intuition, influenced by all those years in NBA arenas and practice gyms, proved correct. — Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fatherly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fatherly
  1. motherly
  2. brotherly
  3. sisterly
  4. sentimental
Adjective
  • Donna showed her motherly support in a custom split jersey supporting both teams.
    — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • Things take an unexpected turn when Aemond, mistaking motherly love for romantic love, leans in and kisses Alicent, leaving her shocked and horrified.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026
Definition of motherly
Adjective
  • Getz enjoys getting brotherly advice from Hoyer, who executed his own semi-rebuild in 2021 and worked under Theo Epstein on the 2012 Cubs rebuild that ignited the trend across baseball.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In 2023, author Ali Novak, who penned the original My Life with the Walter Boys novel, revealed to Entertainment Weekly how another famous brotherly love triangle inspired her own.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026
Definition of brotherly
Adjective
  • The sisterly bond resonates with many Hollywood insiders who point to parallels in the industry.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 July 2026
  • That sisterly correction, among a host of other elements as intangible and yet as instantly recognizable as great literary talent, is also part of what drives Lot 35 in Christie’s Exceptional Sale into its current stratosphere.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of sisterly
Adjective
  • Backyard weddings are among the most sentimental and intimate of celebrations.
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than a sentimental image of maternal love and devotion, Cassatt depicts the sheer effort of remaining oneself within the consuming closeness of caring for one’s child.
    — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of sentimental

Browse Nearby Words

fatherless
fatherly
father (on)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fatherly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fatherly. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of fatherly for Spanish Speakers

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