parenting 1 of 2

noun

ˈper-ən-tiŋ How to pronounce parenting (audio)
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
as in raising
to bring forth and raise to maturity through care and education They expertly parent their second child using all the lessons learned from raising their first.

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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 parenting
Noun
Prosecutors allege Fernandez Saldana and Gardner conspired to kill Bridegan over ongoing custody and parenting disputes, and that Fernandez Saldana allegedly hired his tenant, Henry Tenon, to carry out the murder. — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 Asking for help and offering help in return can create meaningful connections and ease parenting challenges. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
The trip to Mexico was also excruciating as everyone tried to balance parenting with partying. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026 These particular stressors that come with the job are what researchers call parenting stress. — Daniel M. Bagner, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parenting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parenting
  1. parenthood
  2. raising
  3. maternity
  4. nurturing
  5. mothering
Noun
  • The end result is that, as everyone settles on one side of the parenthood fence or the other, many pick the side with people a lot like themselves.
    — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Bennett is no stranger to digging into up the ups and downs of parenthood.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of parenthood
Verb
  • Defense attorneys in both cases argued that the defendants’ intent was in question, raising in argument the possibility that their clients were not trying to cause serious bodily injury or death.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Enacting a solution is liable to be a significant political battle, likely involving cutting benefits for some Americans or raising taxes on higher earners, or both.
    — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of raising
Noun
  • Their demands extend beyond the wage board to job security, workplace safety, maternity benefits, access to subsidized essentials and protection against anti-union discrimination, blacklisting and intimidation.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • What action looks like The reforms already underway in maternity care, in the UK and beyond, offer a rare window to design health systems for the climate that is actually arriving, rather than the one clinicians trained for.
    — Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of maternity
Verb
  • Leaders are crucial, identifying and nurturing employee potential.
    — Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Early on, while nurturing the skills that would lead him to a Cy Young Award, a World Series win and many other accolades, Hershiser had his eye on becoming a sports broadcaster as a second act for his career.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of nurturing
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
Definition of mothering

Browse Nearby Words

parenthood
parenting
parents
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on parenting

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parenting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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