Definition of maternalnext
as in mother
of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother her maternal instincts told her that something was wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 maternal The report from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) noted that maternal syphilis rates have been rising over the past ten years. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 4 Feb. 2026 After 10 years, just under 18,000 children, half under age 3, had been diagnosed with epilepsy, with higher risk among those exposed to maternal diabetes. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 4 Feb. 2026 Le Carré used to profess that the relationship [between MI6 agent runners and MI6 agents] was so intimate as to be almost maternal or paternal. Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026 Her maternal grandmother was two-time Grammy Award winner Cissy Houston of The Drinkard Singers, while her mother's cousins were music greats Dee Dee Warwick, Dionne Warwick and Leontyne Price. Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maternal
Adjective
  • Ramirez’ parental rights were officially terminated a couple years later.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
  • In other words, the bus zone would move uphill, while parental morning drop-off and afternoon pickup of students would take place further downhill.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In the feminine symbolism of the flower and the Hello Kitty doll—and the myriad bracelets, hearts, and other items affixed to each canvas—Echard constructs her figure’s gender as a tangled, blurry, and tactile exchange between the body and its surroundings.
    Theo Belci, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Loafers can definitely lean masculine, but that rounded shape brings a more feminine feel.
    Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Shlesinger balances the drama and comedy of the film, while Mullally provides constant laughs with her Southern drawl and absurd motherly criticisms of her daughter.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026
  • That idea comes across in an especially poignant scene in season 5, volume 2, when Robin has a very motherly talk with Will about coming out.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Maternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maternal. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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