ADULTHOOD Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

adulthood

noun

as in maturity

the state of being fully grown or developed the period between childhood and adulthood is called adolescence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 adulthood Because at this point, true to the show being about adulthood, there’s a baby. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026 Panettiere had been candid about her struggles from child stardom through adulthood. — Abc News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 Six years ago, while the world was stuck inside due to a global pandemic, Daviss had just entered adulthood when his life completely changed. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 But unlike her mom, Touzalin is beginning young adulthood with new hope after taking part in a study testing blockbuster GLP-1 drugs as a treatment. — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 For example, in adulthood, 27 states have filial piety laws that require adult children to bear financial and, in some cases, direct caregiving responsibility for aging parents. — Rin Reczek, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026 Featuring a soundtrack that perfectly encapsulates the era, this intimate portrait also serves as an ode to friendship, youth and the discovery of one’s creativity, as Ann grapples with grief and healing while edging towards adulthood. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 The new Fantagraphics collection arranges Midge's stories chronologically, revealing her complete life from childhood trauma to messy adulthood. — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 But what earlier generations may consider a rite of passage into adulthood is becoming less common. — Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adulthood

maturity

Noun

This strategy, announced after yields hit 19-year highs, involves funding these repurchases by issuing more short-term bills, effectively swapping longer-term debt for shorter maturities.

— James Broughel, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
He was struck by Björck’s maturity, despite the 15-year age gap between himself and Winnipeg’s latest first-round draft pick.

— Murat Ates, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of maturity

Browse Nearby Words

adultery

adulthood

adulthoods

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Adulthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adulthood. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of adulthood

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on adulthood

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

expeditious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes