Synonyms of maternal

maternal

adjective

mə-ˈtər-nᵊl 

as in mother

of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother

her maternal instincts told her that something was wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mother
• parental
• feminine
• motherly
• female
• womanly
• caring
• matronly
• nurturing
• matriarchal
• womanlike
• womanish
• giving

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of maternal

Portman came from the actress’s maternal grandmother’s maiden name, while Natalie was simply an Americanized version of her Hebrew first name. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 4 Oct. 2026

But appropriate counseling depends on the precise diagnosis, gestational age, associated abnormalities, prognosis and maternal circumstances. — Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026

Now, none of this excuses what Cathy does to poor, sweet, trusting Faye, whom Martha Plimpton plays with a chummy maternal quality that makes her grotesque demise that much more upsetting. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

The trial garnered national attention, sparking discussion about maternal mental health and postpartum resources available to women. — Lauren Del Valle, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026