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 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 Yet most movie dads are more likely to be found balancing stellar careers and model parenting (lawyer-dad in To Kill A Mockingbird; Mob-dad in the Godfather films) than exhibiting—let alone acknowledging—their fatherly flaws. — Susie Goldsbrough, The Atlantic, 28 Dec. 2025 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
  • And in this relationship between him and Robby, it’s packed with all kinds of emotions and turbulence, almost like a brotherly relationship.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 8 July 2026
  • But that once sweet brotherly bond is now in tatters and has been for several years.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of brotherly
Adjective
  • 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
  • Inside, Hruskova presided over chats with sisterly energy, dispensing reassurance, pep talks, and relationship tips.
    — Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Definition of sisterly
Adjective
  • Camilla also regularly wears pieces from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s collection, including brooches, tiaras and other sentimental pieces.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
  • Kate also wore the bracelet to Wimbledon in early July and to a visit to Evelina London Children’s Hospital—no doubt the most sentimental addition to her bracelet stack.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 13 July 2026
Definition of sentimental

Browse Nearby Words

fatherless
fatherly
father (on)
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Cite this Entry

“Fatherly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fatherly. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fatherly

Nglish: Translation of fatherly for Spanish Speakers

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