materfamilias

noun

Definition of materfamiliasnext
as in matriarch

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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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for materfamilias
  1. matriarch
  2. matron
  3. stepmother
  4. mom
  5. mama
Noun
  • In the process, a family tries to come to the aid of its ailing matriarch, presented with only a series of unappealing options, each more unbearable than the next.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The Gilded Age follows high society in New York City in the 1880s and stars Carrie Coon and Christine Baranski as new money matriarch Bertha Russell and old money widow Agnes van Rhijn.
    — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of matriarch
Noun
  • The provisions ensure that if a bus driver or matron is laid off because their company loses a contract, that employee is prioritized during the hiring process for a new company with the same wage and benefits.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Investigators also found that the bus matron, who had nearly 20 years of experience, made no effort to communicate with the driver or contact the school.
    — Doug Williams, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of matron
Noun
  • Accompanied by her three siblings and stepmother Bianca Censori, North West debuted a change in her faux facial piercings.
    — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Asia Nguyen-Duy, now charged with murder, allegedly led police to the body of their father Pipo and stepmother Thi Phong, prosecutors said, according to NBC News.
    — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of stepmother
Noun
  • The first vertical microseries for either of them also features 90210 alum Carol Potter, who played Cindy Walsh, the mom of twins Brenda (Shannen Doherty) and Brandon Walsh (Jason Priestley).
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The incident comes just months after the mom of three pleaded guilty to a separate DWI charge and agreed to serve 20 months of probation.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of mom
Noun
  • Now a budding reality TV star in her own right, the 24-year-old is at least a foot taller than her hitmaking mama, who has always been on the shorter side.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Over the course of the novel, Sofia and Rafa both urge mama to seek support with abuelo, with friends' parents, and even with baba.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of mama

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Cite this Entry

“Materfamilias.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/materfamilias. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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