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 materfamilias
The novel recounts the history and hardships of the Binewski clan, carnival folk whose pater- and materfamilias, Al and Crystal Lil, create their own freak show.
—
Elizabeth Hand, Washington Post, 11 Nov. 2022
But with tact and humanity, this materfamilias has still calmed the waters.
—Boyd Van Hoeij, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Oct. 2019
Though the Roundabout production, which opened on Tuesday evening, stars Elizabeth McGovern as the materfamilias, the story really is Kay’s.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2017
Elizabeth Hand, Washington Post, 11 Nov. 2022
But with tact and humanity, this materfamilias has still calmed the waters.
—Boyd Van Hoeij, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Oct. 2019
Though the Roundabout production, which opened on Tuesday evening, stars Elizabeth McGovern as the materfamilias, the story really is Kay’s.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for materfamilias
Noun
-
Burden is an immigration attorney and the granddaughter of society matriarch Babe Paley.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The matriarch attempted to add Richard, who had been managing the stand since the 1990s, and her daughter Patricia Hernandez to the lease agreement in 2019.—
Carlos De Loera,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
As the movie begins, Armando takes shelter in a Recife safehouse, overseen by a cigarette-ripping matron called Dona Sebastiana and populated by refugees navigating their own unspecified troubles.—
Michael Snyder,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Only 40 guests were invited to the wedding, including John’s cousin Anthony Radziwill (who served as his best man); John’s sister, Caroline Kennedy (Carolyn’s matron of honour), and her husband, Edwin Schlossberg; and their kids, Jack (the ring bearer), Rose and Tatiana (both flower girls).—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Kristi Ellis, one of Ellis’ daughters, said in a brief phone call that authorities told her family the news of her stepmother's killing this morning.—
Matt Lavietes,
NBC news,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser reimagines the myth of the evil stepmother and a mother's love for her daughters.—
Jessica Moore,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And how does your mom react to the scene?—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Ralph Lauren is a staple designer in the Duchess’s wardrobe, wearing the label’s main ready-to-wear gowns and suits, and the more casual diffusion line for its flowy shirts and pants that blend seamlessly into her Montecito mom, quiet luxury aesthetic.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
My mama taught me that a good wrap dress is worth its weight in gold.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Computer nerds who’ve never left their basements and mama’s cooking are trying, and have taken over the sport with useless numbers, or analytics.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Materfamilias.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/materfamilias. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
