Definition of motherlynext
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 For a cuisine with lots of steps, this tip felt like a radical shortcut, given with motherly permission. Bon Appétit Test Kitchen, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Dec. 2025 For six years, in more than 200 episodes, Lockhart dispensed motherly wisdom to young Timmy (Jon Provost), who would engage in less-than-proper behavior or find himself in danger (but never, as the trope suggested, fallen down a well), only to be rescued by his faithful collie. David Morgan, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2025 Lockhart wasn’t out of work for long, quickly moving to another motherly role, the biochemist Maureen Robinson on the 1965-68 series Lost in Space. Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 25 Oct. 2025 The portrayal appears to suggest that motherly attributes are solely within the realm of being loving, caring, comforting, protective, sheltering, and so on. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for motherly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motherly
maternal
Adjective
  • Under his guidance, students have helped author and inspire Illinois legislation on issues that include climate education, media literacy, fentanyl awareness and maternal health equity, the district said.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • This brought back family gossip and hesitant bits of information about my mother’s beloved grandfather, my maternal great-grandfather.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Motherly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motherly. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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