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
Gasper’s father, also named Mickey, had grown up rooting for the Yankees in New Jersey, so Gasper liked them, too. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for grown-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grown-up
Adjective
  • Quinn says that using a sponge can be particularly flattering on mature skin, though the foundation formula and skin preparation are just as important.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The cone’s spikelike axis remains on the branch after the mature cone falls apart.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 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
  • But in the eight years since that location opened its doors, the brand has grown, and the mall has evolved from small art galleries into a vintage mecca.
    — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The property collaborated with Nobu and the food is clean and delicious—unsurprisingly, lots of raw fish and produce like spicy microgreens and August-sweet tomatoes grown at Sensei’s hydroponic farm down the road.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 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 26 Oct. 2026.

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