Definition of maternalnext
as in mother
of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother her maternal instincts told her that something was wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 maternal Although the study did not focus on preeclampsia, McDonald said the regimen’s potential to reduce that risk could also lower maternal deaths and complications. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026 His paternal grandfather was a general surgeon, his maternal grandfather a physician, his dad an anesthesiologist. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026 This has, weirdly, resulted in far-right communities being one of the few spaces where maternal labor is explicitly celebrated, rather than dismissed or ignored. Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2026 My maternal grandfather, Frederick Douglas Fisher—both of his parents were slaves. Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maternal
Adjective
  • Today, many states stipulate that gestational surrogates have no parental rights—any equivocation on this matter would cause the country’s reproductive-tourism industry to collapse.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Lyft Teen is meant to address the rising cost of cars and insurance for young drivers in addition to the parental workload of picking up and dropping off kids, according to CEO David Risher.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Take a cue from this blonde billionaire and pair your outerwear with a sophisticated matching bag and feminine ballet flats.
    Collette Grimes, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Nicky Hilton Rothschild Hilton Rothschild made her case for the return of coquette — a post-pandemic trend centered around hyper-feminine fashion — with a half-up pony secured by a satin ribbon, which mirrored the design on her Marc Jacobs dress.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn To some, going home is a relaxing retreat full of motherly love and too much food.
    Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
  • While some see Nelly as an empathetic and motherly caretaker, others view her as a manipulative, calculating instigator who shapes the narrative to justify her own actions.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Maternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maternal. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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