parental

adjective

Definition of parentalnext
as in protective

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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 parental The Kansas lawsuit arrives as the Supreme Court prepares to hear a separate parental-rights case from Washington state in its upcoming fall term. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026 The privileging of parental intuition over medical orthodoxy has become the emotional core of the MAHA coalition. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 These restrictions would require parental permission to be altered. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Aug. 2026 Age verifications and parental controls come with notorious loopholes. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026 In addition, there will also be more parental supervision controls across both apps. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 The start of the school year is moved up despite parental outcry. — Jennifer Bruzan Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 The more Tom tries to pick up the parental slack left by his wife’s sudden death, the more Jake seems to pull away, which allows the new Whisper Man to gain a toehold in their lives. — Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The mother works a graveyard shift and is overwhelmed with parental responsibility. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parental
  1. protective
  2. supportive
  3. maternal
  4. caring
Adjective
  • The gases released during this process can create a protective boundary near the shield.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • But the Chicago Sky is taking its protective measures a step further — by enlisting help from national security experts.
    — Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of protective
Adjective
  • Flat oil prices and slightly lower bond yields were certainly supportive of the tech rally.
    — Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Across all categories, the beds deserve special mention—exceptionally comfortable, with soft bedding and supportive pillows that punch well above the price point.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of supportive
Adjective
  • The country has long had one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, now exacerbated by the Taliban’s ban on medical training for women and the requirement that women patients be accompanied to appointments by a male guardian.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The case has put a spotlight on maternal mental health and how its treated by the public and healthcare professionals.
    — August 31, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of maternal
Adjective
  • Neal's family described him as smart, quiet, caring and not an aggressive person.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 23 Aug. 2026
  • And for those who are unsure of how to start the process or where to find helpful information, community partners not only offer homeownership seminars but also have knowledgeable, caring professionals available to help.
    — Patricia Mason, Hartford Courant, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of caring

Browse Nearby Words

parentages
parental
parented
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parental. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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