fatherly

adjective

Definition of fatherlynext
as in motherly

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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 fatherly In the wake of Soldier Boy’s resurrection, Homelander is desperate to earn some fatherly affection. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026 Delroy Lindo then enveloped him in a fatherly embrace. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026 Beneath the hum of fluorescent lights, Juvenile pauses mid-negotiation, flips his camera, and offers a grin that feels equal parts fatherly pride and rap-legend cool. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 24 Feb. 2026 Mychal’s fatherly intuition, influenced by all those years in NBA arenas and practice gyms, proved correct. — Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fatherly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fatherly
  1. motherly
  2. brotherly
  3. sisterly
  4. sentimental
Adjective
  • With the blessing of the shrewd but motherly Headmistress Francis (Heather Alicia Simms), Paulina has decided to compete in the Miss Ghana 1986 pageant, hoping to reach the Miss Universe competition.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
  • An architectural historian who specializes in 19th-century Turkish interiors, Sedef Piker is a supporting character on the stream — occasionally popping up in the background with some mezze or motherly wisdom.
    — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of motherly
Adjective
  • But through a bit of TV fame, and Ramsay’s signature yelling, ranting, exasperation and, in the end, brotherly wisdom, perhaps its restaurant dreams can come true.
    — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Probably recordings of them complimenting one another and wishing each other a happy birthday and offering brotherly advice.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of brotherly
Adjective
  • When a typical sisterly argument leads to doll Isabel getting damaged, human Ruth takes her on the road to track down La Fabricante (The Dollmaker).
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
  • While Bullock and Kidman return to their roles with the sisterly rapport necessary, the film itself is a closed circuit with no narrative electricity to power it.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of sisterly
Adjective
  • What was once a contemporary exploration of horror has become a sentimental aesthetic, with this particular version of 2011 looking ironically idealistic because younger viewers never had to live inside it.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In a sentimental moment before Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, Bellinger caught the ceremonial first pitch from his father, Clay Bellinger, who played for the Yankees from 1999-2001.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of sentimental

Browse Nearby Words

fatherless
fatherly
father (on)
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Cite this Entry

“Fatherly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fatherly. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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