family

noun

ˈfam-lē How to pronounce family (audio)
Definition of familynext
1
as in clan
a group of persons who come from the same ancestor the Adams family made remarkable contributions to American life for more than two centuries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in kind
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic the flute, the clarinet, the oboe, and other members of the woodwind family

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 family Keep your state residency Members of the military often move frequently, but many families save on state taxes via a special federal law, experts say. — Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025 Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly ordered the payment of about $1,970 to the family of each victim killed in the crash, a local government media office said. — Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 14 Mar. 2025 After six years of displacement, the family returned in 2021 to find their home completely damaged. — Unicef Usa, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 On Thursday, March 13, PEOPLE confirmed with a source close to the Trump family that Vanessa, 47, and Tiger, 49, have been quietly dating for several months. — Natasha Dye, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for family
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family
  1. clan
  2. kind
  3. house
  4. tribe
  5. category
  6. group
  7. household
  8. people
Noun
  • In Scotland, tartans are traditionally associated with different clans and families, though anyone can come up with their own tartan and register it with the Scottish government.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
  • This flashback kickoff, which looks to tell the devious origin story of the megachurch-leading Gemstone clan, went from long shot to lock quickly.
    — Marco della Cava, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of clan
Noun
  • View Recipe Fruits of all kinds, especially berries, grapes, apples, and citrus, are celebrated by health experts for their anti-inflammatory properties.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Maybe not, and hopefully not, to the same extent—hopefully not ever finding themselves in the position of total dependence on Russian energy of any kind.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of kind
Noun
  • The Hollywood premiere has been reduced to photographers and in—house crew only, according to a report in Variety.
    — Marni Rose McFall, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • To Chanel, Naomi Campbell donned an elegant lilac ensemble by the house.
    — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of house
Noun
  • For years the tribe has opposed the line as a risk to its water supply.
    — Jack Dura, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The Standing Rock Sioux tribe called the pipeline a violation of its treaty rights and claimed the pipeline route risked polluting the tribe's primary water source and would damage sacred sites.
    — Seiji Yamashita, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of tribe
Noun
  • And for anyone who didn't fit in that category, Thursday's performance was a stirring reminder of just how rich and singular the band's catalog really is.
    — Piet Levy, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
  • All apartments in the single building will be studios of 300 square feet or less reserved for tenants who qualify in the categories of low, very low, or extremely low income.
    — Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of category
Noun
  • As part of the re-boot, the group has also made some operational changes, shutting its U.S. distribution center, selling its London offices, and reducing headcount and the overall cost base.
    — Samantha Conti, WWD, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, environmental groups have warned of potentially harmful consequences for marine life as questions swirl over how the collision could have occurred in broad daylight.
    — Christian Edwards, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of group
Noun
  • As costs plummeted, factory automation enabled widespread adoption and the proliferation of household appliances.
    — Mika Newton, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The maximum amount of financial help an individual or household can receive from FEMA after a natural disaster destroys their home is $43,600 for housing assistance and an additional $43,600 for other needs.
    — Ames Alexander and, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of household
Noun
  • This is a drink that people tend to love—elementally delicious, and yet with enough going on to keep the front of your brain occupied.
    — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2025
  • In expressing their disbelief, people have been known to run away screaming or even burst into tears while Blaine maintains his deadpan, stoic facade.
    — Jenelle Riley, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of people

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“Family.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on family

Nglish: Translation of family for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about family

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