sisterly

adjective

Definition of sisterlynext
as in familial

Related Words

Relevance

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 sisterly In true sisterly fashion, Charlotte has frequently been photographed appearing to help keep her brothers in line during important royal events. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 The sisterly bond resonates with many Hollywood insiders who point to parallels in the industry. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 July 2026 That sisterly correction, among a host of other elements as intangible and yet as instantly recognizable as great literary talent, is also part of what drives Lot 35 in Christie’s Exceptional Sale into its current stratosphere. — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Inside, Hruskova presided over chats with sisterly energy, dispensing reassurance, pep talks, and relationship tips. — Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sisterly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sisterly
  1. familial
  2. brotherly
  3. fraternal
Adjective
  • During a 2016 trip abroad, family members coincidentally met a former Arizona state senator who mentioned the possibility of using a forensic technique called familial DNA.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • This kind of familial conflict can also be quite disorienting as you’re left to wonder what might have caused such a strong and severe reaction from your son.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of familial
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
  • Among the establishments that offer video gambling are restaurants, bars, fraternal organizations and a few other venues.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • This was fostered largely by organizations such as the Knights of Columbus—a Roman Catholic fraternal organization founded by an Irish American priest—that embraced Italian Catholic immigrants and lobbied Congress for a federal Columbus Day.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of fraternal

Browse Nearby Words

sisterhoods
sisterly
sisters
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of Luddite

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All