fraternal

adjective

frə-ˈtər-nᵊl How to pronounce fraternal (audio)
Definition of fraternalnext
as in familial
of, relating to, or befitting brothers there was a fraternal bond between the two boys all throughout their school years

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 fraternal In it are the recurring themes of fraternal loyalty, longing, nature’s bounty, and the rough toke that is doggedly searching for a better life. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026 In this respect, mixed martial arts performs a role similar to military training camps, revolutionary youth movements and fraternal organizations in earlier eras. — Scott Atran, The Conversation, 17 June 2026 The United States often feels more fractured than fraternal, a search for commonality hard to find in a land of boundaries drawn harder each day. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 Numerous religious orders and fraternal organizations formed to spread this devotion. — ABC News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fraternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fraternal
  1. familial
  2. brotherly
Adjective
  • Originally from Miami, Hilton has a large familial support system in the area, which was one of the primary reasons for the move earlier this summer, according to his brother-in-law.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The tribe’s 38th annual Lumáy, known in English as Big Time, got underway on Saturday, with a weekend full of cultural learning, traditional dancing and familial connection on the schedule.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of familial
Adjective
  • Their brotherly bond faced challenges when 17-year-old Harper was sentenced to life in prison for taking the life of their abuser.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Getz enjoys getting brotherly advice from Hoyer, who executed his own semi-rebuild in 2021 and worked under Theo Epstein on the 2012 Cubs rebuild that ignited the trend across baseball.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of brotherly

Browse Nearby Words

franticness
fraternal
fraternities
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fraternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fraternal. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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