Definition of parentingnext
as in parenthood
the caring for a child by its parents as the big day approaches, the expectant couple are starting to get worried about their fitness for parenting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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parenting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of parent

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 parenting
Noun
There will also be life skills and wellness education, including financial literacy, parenting workshops and substance abuse counseling. — Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 22 Sep. 2026 McCartney has just infused her signature design codes into a collection of strollers and accessories made with Bugaboo, a Dutch design company that specializes in high-end parenting gear. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
Reminiscent of the discussions around Michael Jackson’s upbringing, this Lanterns episode has sparked specific conversations about parenting Black boys and children into greatness, and what actions constitute abusive or unhealthy parenting. — Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026 The plan also expands efforts to help fathers spend more time parenting. — Brian Mann, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parenting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parenting
Noun
  • If making parenthood materially easier does little to restore birth rates, perhaps some part of the fertility decline reflects a change in what people want from their lives.
    — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • So Carol’s a contrast to Madeleine, and also just another look into the world of different kinds of families and parenthood.
    — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In bidding to halt Howard's execution, his attorneys had filed a motion hours earlier before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals raising concerns about the quality of Texas' execution drugs.
    — JAMIE STENGLE, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Governments are borrowing heavily to finance fiscal deficits, while companies are raising funds to invest in emerging technologies, creating an imbalance that could keep upward pressure on interest rates.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Quarantine has also been imposed in at least one of the city’s maternity hospitals, according to Liudi Baikala.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Take a look below for more of Hathaway’s maternity shoe style.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • For four months, the Napa grower spent four to five hours a day tending four giant pumpkin plants, watching their vines, nurturing their fruit and waiting to see just how big one of them might get.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Bellen's parents focused more on nurturing their children's gifts and interests like entrepreneurship and education and supporting their endeavors.
    — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The cultural ascendance of intensive mothering, in which mothers are deemed entirely responsible for their children’s well-being and success, has upped the ante.
    — Marianne Cooper, Time, 5 Aug. 2026
  • To make their point perfectly clear, women are sharing photos of themselves breastfeeding in front of Old Masters paintings in museums that depict the very same mothering act.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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