fraternal

adjective

frə-ˈtər-nᵊl How to pronounce fraternal (audio)
Definition of fraternalnext
as in familial
of, relating to, or befitting brothers there was a fraternal bond between the two boys all throughout their school years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 fraternal Numerous religious orders and fraternal organizations formed to spread this devotion. — ABC News, 10 June 2026 His fraternal lodge, the Odd Fellows, organized a group of boys who sold soft drinks at University of Missouri football games. — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026 The fraternal community service organization promotes agriculture and Ramona’s rural community. — Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026 No one was sure if the twins were identical or fraternal ‒ there was no such thing as genetic testing back then; James Watson and Francis Crick had only discovered DNA the year before. — Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fraternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fraternal
  1. familial
  2. brotherly
Adjective
  • Black familial joy, togetherness and food Research shows that extended members of Black families serve important psychological, financial and emotional roles in many Black children’s lives.
    — Brooke Harris Garad, The Conversation, 14 July 2026
  • Others may just have higher risk factors, including familial instability and abuse or neglect.
    — Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 12 July 2026
Definition of familial
Adjective
  • Torn between brotherly love and marital loyalty, Irwin discovers he’s ensnared in forces far beyond his control.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of brotherly

Browse Nearby Words

franticness
fraternal
fraternities
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fraternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fraternal. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on fraternal

Nglish: Translation of fraternal for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of aerie

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All