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
  • After Davis’ single appearance, Anne Baxter would step in as the matriarch of the series (as a new character), an ironic echo of Baxter’s Eve ambitiously attempting to usurp Davis’ Margo in the classic All About Eve.
    — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In Leanne, the eponymous Southern matriarch is faced with starting over when her husband of 33 years leaves her for another woman.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of matriarch
Noun
  • Cohran was a rarity in 1936 — a female police officer, known then as a police matron.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Since then, Hills has worked in various hospitals and wards, including spending 10 years as a ward sister and a matron, which are both senior roles for nurses.
    — Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
Definition of matron
Noun
  • When Lydia’s sister, Claudine, becomes Odette’s new stepmother, a ghostly presence emerges in the house — spurring a story about grief and motherhood.
    — Chloe Gong, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • On the day Kyron vanished, he was driven to school by his stepmother, Terri Horman.
    — Eileen Murphy, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of stepmother
Noun
  • Kelley is a foster mom of two, a children’s book author and founder of the nonprofit Foster Footprints.
    — Grey Battle, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Somedays her brain fog, headaches and blood pressure would be so bad, her mom needed to pick her up from school.
    — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of mom
Noun
  • After all those years of just my grandma and my momma and my sisters.
    — Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In a time when companies are guilty of solely fostering young talent and offering legacy staff members early buyouts, aviation continues—at least at the employee level—to embrace wisdom from senior mamas and papas.
    — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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