as in adult
a fully grown person
once you turn 12, you get to eat with the grown-ups at Thanksgiving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in grown
to become mature
everyone has to grow up at some point in their lives
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grown-up
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Inside The Limited XT feels like a grown-up Subaru cabin - useful, roomy and not fussy.
—Josh Max, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Today’s new wave of halter tops feels grown-up and refined, reimagined in sleek, streamlined shapes that have become fixtures everywhere from the runway to the red carpet — and across the vacation wardrobes defining Euro-summer style.
—Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 30 May 2026
As luck would have it, that noncommittal length is also very chic and grown-up.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 22 May 2026
Use those fresh plum tomatoes from the farmers' market for this fun, grown-up mac and cheese recipe.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 7 May 2026
Footwear with impeccable manners and a very special kind of poise is grown-up in the best sense of the word.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 5 Apr. 2026
On an album of spectral love songs, the DJ and producer’s misty dream pop feels bigger, bolder, and decidedly grown-up.
—Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 21 Mar. 2026
But this 100% cotton design is graceful and all grown-up, featuring split corners, decorative stitching, and a tidy silhouette.
—Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2026
Clark Collis, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2023
Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Many of today’s media consumers have grown up consuming media in seconds-long bursts, and the industry is still trying to develop strategies to connect with these viewers, said Puente, who began teaching at CSUF in 2006.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 25 May 2026
Although Buffington is a native Californian, Jayne had grown up in Hampton Bays and never imagined leaving the area behind.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026
Williams moved to North Hollywood with his family in 1947, having grown up in Queens.
—Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
People who have grown up watching YouTube programs and following TikTok figures feel more comfortable with such personalities, says Magid.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
In some communities, a generation has grown up without any memory of pristine water or air — and given their lack of education, little reason to mourn it.
—Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
But you are grown up, and well aware that these are now generated mechanically.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
Morgan had grown up outside of Philly and attended UPenn.
—Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
For families While the crowd skews more grown-up, little ones are also welcome, and there are some small cots, high chairs, and toys available for children.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Inside The Limited XT feels like a grown-up Subaru cabin - useful, roomy and not fussy.
—Josh Max, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Today’s new wave of halter tops feels grown-up and refined, reimagined in sleek, streamlined shapes that have become fixtures everywhere from the runway to the red carpet — and across the vacation wardrobes defining Euro-summer style.
—Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 30 May 2026
As luck would have it, that noncommittal length is also very chic and grown-up.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 22 May 2026
Use those fresh plum tomatoes from the farmers' market for this fun, grown-up mac and cheese recipe.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 7 May 2026
Footwear with impeccable manners and a very special kind of poise is grown-up in the best sense of the word.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 5 Apr. 2026
On an album of spectral love songs, the DJ and producer’s misty dream pop feels bigger, bolder, and decidedly grown-up.
—Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 21 Mar. 2026
But this 100% cotton design is graceful and all grown-up, featuring split corners, decorative stitching, and a tidy silhouette.
—Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
Reportedly shot for less than $100,000, this tale of Pooh and Piglet all grown-up and running amok recently opened to box office success in Mexico and is currently playing on cinema screens around America.
—Clark Collis, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2023
Verb
John had grown up in Bedfordshire, not far from the Tates, and as a young woman had opened a swimwear store called Sandstorm Boutique.
—Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Many of today’s media consumers have grown up consuming media in seconds-long bursts, and the industry is still trying to develop strategies to connect with these viewers, said Puente, who began teaching at CSUF in 2006.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 25 May 2026
Although Buffington is a native Californian, Jayne had grown up in Hampton Bays and never imagined leaving the area behind.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026
Williams moved to North Hollywood with his family in 1947, having grown up in Queens.
—Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
People who have grown up watching YouTube programs and following TikTok figures feel more comfortable with such personalities, says Magid.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
In some communities, a generation has grown up without any memory of pristine water or air — and given their lack of education, little reason to mourn it.
—Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
But you are grown up, and well aware that these are now generated mechanically.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
Morgan had grown up outside of Philly and attended UPenn.
—Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grown-up
Adjective
-
The flat property has yards, mature trees, and space for a future pool and sports court.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
8 June 2026
-
Li said Lancome is able to keep consumers spending through every stage of their life, with products for early age, mid-age and mature age.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Her adults never quite grow up, only older.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
-
All nine victims were adults and none of their injuries were considered life-threatening, according to police.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Marvin Gang is a longtime member of the Boulder Jewish community and says this isn't his first time at the festival; it's grown considerably over the years.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
-
Reviews were spirited and mixed (Pauline Kael’s ultimately positive one is worth the read) but the film has grown in general esteem ever since.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grown-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grown-up. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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