cousin

noun

ˈkə-zən How to pronounce cousin (audio)
Definition of cousinnext
as in relative
a person connected with another by blood or marriage we both were surprised to learn that we are distant cousins

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 cousin Free enterprise, a close cousin of capitalism, scored 22 points higher than capitalism itself. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026 Two of the captain's cousins are pilots and another family member is studying aviation, according to Kishorbhai Machchhar. — Charlotte Gardiner, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 The contender from South America, along with its cousin, the white bellbird, has a call that can hit the earsplitting decibels of a chainsaw or jackhammer. — Meghan Bartels, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026 The Hindu temple complex of Prambanan is not as busy as its nearby Buddhist cousin, which is a bonus for travelers with limited time. — Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cousin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cousin
  1. relative
  2. relation
  3. family
  4. kin
  5. kinsman
Noun
  • Lawyers for victims’ relatives claim that a group of extremist religious leaders in Saudi Arabia aided the hijackers.
    — Tom Winter, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2026
  • One example is Hilton’s care hub, which provides guidance and strategies for caring for elderly relatives, children, and mental health advice.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of relative
Noun
  • Mundy claims that his group’s work has led to multiple convictions, despite his at-times contentious relations with police.
    — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Hurst, a government relations and advocacy manager, has not previously held public office.
    — Haley Parsley October 2, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of relation
Noun
  • The family described the teen as a fearless, curious and deeply imaginative young man with an ambitious spirit who inspired those around him.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Directed by Shen Chunyang and written by Ma Duo, the satirical family feature stars real-life comedic couple Shen Chunyang and Xiao Shenyang alongside Jia Bing and Yu Yang.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of family
Noun
  • The person — whose name has not been announced publicly pending next-of-kin notifications — was pronounced dead at the scene.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2026
  • His exhausted kin of Gainesville, having spent the morning very much alive and the enormity of a half-decade pummeled, agreed.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of kin
Noun
  • Records of public meetings and community newspapers feature jabs at how far these sorry kinsmen have strayed from their heritage.
    — Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026
  • As Molineux passes by, Robin recognizes his kinsman and hears the cruel laughter of the mob.
    — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
Definition of kinsman

Browse Nearby Words

courtyards
cousin
cousins
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Cite this Entry

“Cousin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cousin. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cousin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cousin

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