as in maternal
of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother she showed a sweet motherly tenderness toward the tiny kitten she was taking care of

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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 motherly Suddenly, a sound cue and a shift from white to blue lighting indicate a leap in time, and this woman begins to relive a mundane interaction with her two young children, Leanne and Danny, while speaking to thin air and miming her motherly motions. Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025 The outburst inspired motherly glances from Adams and Jones, who regaled McAllister before with sorry tales of the past two decades. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 8 July 2025 Physically unhurt but deeply shaken, she is taken in by a local woman who witnessed the accident and begins to care for Laura with motherly devotion. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 June 2025 Everyday Eastwick 4-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $40 Time and Tru Leighton Mini Bucket Bag, $25 The Pioneer Woman Raffia Tote Bag For the motherly figure that loves watching Ree Drummond’s cooking show, this raffia tote bag from The Pioneer Woman’s Walmart line is the perfect get. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for motherly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motherly
maternal
Adjective
  • Combs said that her maternal instincts immediately kicked in.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The film reunites Yoon with Chang Hyae-jin, who has appeared in all three of her features playing maternal roles.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Motherly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motherly. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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