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
  • An architectural historian who specializes in 19th-century Turkish interiors, Sedef Piker is a supporting character on the stream — occasionally popping up in the background with some mezze or motherly wisdom.
    — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The 22-year-old, who attended the premiere with her mom and siblings, also spoke to the outlet about Ringwald’s motherly advice.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of motherly
Adjective
  • Their brotherly bond faced challenges when 17-year-old Harper was sentenced to life in prison for taking the life of their abuser.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of brotherly
Adjective
  • In true sisterly fashion, Charlotte has frequently been photographed appearing to help keep her brothers in line during important royal events.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The sisterly bond resonates with many Hollywood insiders who point to parallels in the industry.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 July 2026
Definition of sisterly
Adjective
  • Houston could soar within it because Parton imbued it with a musical and sentimental purity that made room for the enormity of her expressiveness.
    — Ann Powers, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Ditsy floral quilt toppers add a sentimental anchor to bedrooms, while vintage pieces threaded throughout the rest of the property have been lovingly sourced by the experts at New York’s The Somerset House.
    — Dipal Acharya, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 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 30 Aug. 2026.

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