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 Despite this, Jen still harbored hopes of playing a motherly role in the teen’s life. Ashley Vega, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025 The image that Ruby and Myka sold to their viewers relied on the veneration of motherly authority—the idea that the domestic sphere is where women hold court and exert quiet control. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025 The attendant was not warm or gentle, but her assertive touch felt motherly, even sensible. Anna Haines, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025 Despite this, Jen still harbored hopes of playing a motherly role in the teen’s life. Ashley Vega, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for motherly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motherly
maternal
Adjective
  • Congressional Republicans have also proposed $880 billion in Medicaid cuts, putting health care at risk for 900,000 San Diego County residents and undermining behavioral health, maternal care, lifesaving treatment and the ability to see a doctor.
    Terra Lawson-Remer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2025
  • In countries heavily dependent on U.S. aid, the Mexico City Policy has resulted in approximately 80 additional child deaths and nine additional maternal deaths per 100,000 live births annually and about one additional HIV infection per 10,000 uninfected people.
    Kathryn Rhine, The Conversation, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Motherly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motherly. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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