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
Chestnut red is an ingenue all grown-up—matured past apricots and strawberry blonde into something more capable and authoritative. — Loren Savini, Allure, 14 Oct. 2026 For families While the vibe is much more honeymoon-y and grown-up than many of Bangkok’s other stays in the same price range, families are still very welcome. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
Not many people were left by then but Stanley Hurst was, raising four children on the same land where he’d been born and grown up. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for grown-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grown-up
Adjective
  • As post-Covid debts mature, a record share of poor countries net-repaid the IMF in 2026 – a drain set to widen by 2030.
    — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • That rhythm can be useful for mature companies with predictable earnings and clear public market sponsorship.
    — Jeff Jacobs, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • On his first new music since getting sober, the prolific 30-year-old singer-songwriter offers a sense of adult clarity—and some welcome self-editing.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Police said a dark Chevrolet pickup drove onto a field during a youth soccer game and struck children and adults.
    — Maggie Vespa, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Crucial questions for the AI age Thanks to new technologies like AI, our power has grown exponentially.
    — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Perhaps lenders have grown tired of funding the data center buildout, but money is not going to be the thing that finally causes the AI train to go off the rails.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 16 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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