Definition of grown-upnext
as in mature
relating to or typical of adults; displaying proper maturity they have yet to find a grown-up way of handling their marital problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grown-up

2 of 3

noun

grown up

3 of 3

verb

past participle of grow up

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 grown-up
Adjective
Working with sister stylist duo Chloe and Chenelle Delgadillo, Rodrigo has reconstructed her signature looks to feel softer and more grown-up, with outfits drawing from fashion references just as diverse as her musical taste. — Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 There was something so exciting about holding those glowing wands and feeling just a little grown-up while doing it. — Abby Price, Southern Living, 17 June 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 See All Example Sentences for grown-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grown-up
Adjective
  • So many young people, for better or for worse, are exposed to [mature themes].
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Vestas still holds key advantages, according to Dal Poz, including a mature supply chain, a long track record, and the confidence of lenders.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Four in 10 American kids will become adults hampered by obesity, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, or other conditions that can limit their opportunities and shorten their lives.
    — Stanley McChrystal, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The toddler was hit in the leg by a bullet as an adult was cleaning their gun in the Tulare County residence, the county Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Palm oil is mainly grown in parts of Asia and is used as an ingredient in a wide variety of foods and other products — including cosmetics and biofuels.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The industry has grown 14 percent since 2019 and supports more than 28,000 direct and indirect jobs.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grown-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grown-up. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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