parenting 1 of 2

Definition of parentingnext
as in parenthood
the caring for a child by its parents as the big day approaches, the expectant couple are starting to get worried about their fitness for parenting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

parenting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of parent

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 parenting
Noun
With a vibe that throws back to another era of studio comedies, the project tells of a psychologist couple whose parenting philosophy is put to the ultimate test when they’re forced to counsel a crime boss’s dysfunctional family while being held hostage at a hotel. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026 Kaley Cuoco doesn't give a f--- what anyone thinks of her parenting. Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
Nearly one in five of those married couples is parenting a child under 18. ABC News, 2 Feb. 2026 Education policies, as well as parenting values focused on grades and test scores as singular markers of achievement may also be to blame. Brandon Busteed, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parenting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parenting
Noun
  • After touring and setting down her Real Housewives of Potomac champagne flute, Candiace focused on parenthood, welcoming a baby boy with her husband, Chris Bassett, in 2024.
    Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The Dallas Morning News is launching a reader survey as part of a project examining how affordable parenthood is in North Texas — and where families feel the biggest strain.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But what was really baffling was Cronin’s claim that the questioner was raising his voice.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • That reality means balancing work, wellness and raising her young son, which has become the foundation for her latest collaboration with Fabletics.
    Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The options were very limited in maternity fashion, specifically.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
  • When essential services like maternity, emergency or behavioral health care become unprofitable, private systems may reduce or discontinue them.
    Shane Strum, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Your 4th House of Home and Family shifts as the nurturing Moon enters, encouraging you to create simple order in your domestic life.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Your 5th House of Creativity and Romance warms as the nurturing Moon blends with loving Venus there, encouraging playful expression that potentially heals old insecurities as well.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Kate had changed her hair into a stylish bob — but apparently hadn’t updated her mothering skills — two years later when, in the sequel, Kevin again was discovered missing, at the Miami airport.
    Jocelyn Noveck, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Every memory holding the sum of us—not me alone, but a nesting doll of memories, proof that someone in the world once mothered us, even if that mothering had to come from only ourselves.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parenting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parenting. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on parenting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster