parental

adjective

Definition of parentalnext
as in protective

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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 parental Children under five — some too young to have received their second dose, others unvaccinated by parental choice — account for a fifth of this year’s infections and a disproportionate share of hospitalizations. — A.j. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026 The parental influence The parental shift is becoming visible in the data. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026 From 2019 to 2023, Mack led the state’s career and technical education initiatives and repeatedly publicly supported DeSantis’ parental rights policies on social media. — Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 Hilton signed off on the custody arrangement in which Lavandeira will handle parental responsibilities, including enrolling the children in school, overseeing their medical care and anything else that may arise while Hilton navigates recovery. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Over the past several years, some Idaho Republican lawmakers have also brought forward bills relating to vaccines and parental rights over their children’s immunizations. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 21 Aug. 2026 Choosing Texas also may have offered West a legal advantage in the fight over parental rights. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 The departments alleged that the school district violated parental rights protected by FERPA. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 Such requests did not trigger parental alerts, eSafety found, and bad actors could also search kids’ visible-to-anyone contact lists for more targets. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parental
  1. protective
  2. supportive
  3. maternal
  4. caring
Adjective
  • The gases released during this process can create a protective boundary near the shield.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • But the Chicago Sky is taking its protective measures a step further — by enlisting help from national security experts.
    — Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of protective
Adjective
  • Flat oil prices and slightly lower bond yields were certainly supportive of the tech rally.
    — Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Across all categories, the beds deserve special mention—exceptionally comfortable, with soft bedding and supportive pillows that punch well above the price point.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of supportive
Adjective
  • The country has long had one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, now exacerbated by the Taliban’s ban on medical training for women and the requirement that women patients be accompanied to appointments by a male guardian.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The case has put a spotlight on maternal mental health and how its treated by the public and healthcare professionals.
    — August 31, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of maternal
Adjective
  • Neal's family described him as smart, quiet, caring and not an aggressive person.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 23 Aug. 2026
  • And for those who are unsure of how to start the process or where to find helpful information, community partners not only offer homeownership seminars but also have knowledgeable, caring professionals available to help.
    — Patricia Mason, Hartford Courant, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of caring

Browse Nearby Words

parentages
parental
parented
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parental. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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