as in mother
a person who brings forth and raises a child
The couple recently became parents for the first time. She grew up in a single parent household.
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as in to raise
to bring forth and raise to maturity through care and education
They expertly parent their second child using all the lessons learned from raising their first.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of parent
Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
The parents of an older girl named Sarah Summers—the very name still carries a shiver of excitement—gave me her old clothes from time to time, in washed, folded stacks that were permeated with a middle-class laundry fragrance, the smell of another world, better than my own.
—Rachel Kushner, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025
Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
While Todd and Julie were in prison, Savannah stepped up to parent their other minor children - Grayson, 18, and Chloe, 12.
—Ryan Coleman September 2, EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for parent
Noun
Earlier that evenings, a 4-year-old girl had died of brain injuries from an accident, and her parents had agreed to donate her organs.
—Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
The parents of an older girl named Sarah Summers—the very name still carries a shiver of excitement—gave me her old clothes from time to time, in washed, folded stacks that were permeated with a middle-class laundry fragrance, the smell of another world, better than my own.
—Rachel Kushner, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
The young girl is believed to be around 12 or 13 and her debut appearance outside of her home country signals a possible role as North Korea’s heir-in-waiting, a parenting expert suspects.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
While Todd and Julie were in prison, Savannah stepped up to parent their other minor children - Grayson, 18, and Chloe, 12.
—Ryan Coleman September 2, EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for parent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parent
Noun
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In a video taken by a security camera at his mother's driveway, obtained by ABC News, a federal agent can be heard asking Gamez Lira to turn off the engine and to not resist.—
Armando Garcia,
ABC News,
18 Sep. 2025
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His father, a former military officer, was imprisoned following the Iranian revolution until his mother was able to negotiate his release with prison guards, according to reporting by the New York Times.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As he was driven away, Matthews raised a thumbs-up to the crowd, drawing an ovation from USC fans and a huddle of his Spartans teammates, who circled together in support before returning to the sideline.—
Ira Gorawara,
New York Times,
21 Sep. 2025
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Rock for First Responders benefit concert; another year of showing their support for the event, which raises money for essential equipment and mental health programs for Santa Barbara’s first responders.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
21 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Tramell Tillman made all moms proud Every tired mom dreams of her child publicly thanking her someday.—
Sandra Gonzalez,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
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In one paper, published in the peer reviewed American Journal of Public Health, researchers surveyed Flint moms eligible for Rx Kids, those in Flint before the program began and mothers in the surrounding region.—
Nushrat Rahman,
Freep.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Hearts have been melted by a black cat who instantly took on a nurturing and paternal role when his owner fostered a tiny rescue kitten.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
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Their presence became not just supportive, but essential — creating a nurturing environment that helped Norman and Kurgan feel less alone during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Instead, focus on fostering a culture of inclusivity, empathy and genuine connection.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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Brian Pedro, director for the Department of Community Response, framed the fees as a way to foster self-independence, help offset operating costs and create a sustainable housing model.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Parent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parent. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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