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 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 His fraternal lodge, the Odd Fellows, organized a group of boys who sold soft drinks at University of Missouri football games. — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fraternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fraternal
  1. familial
  2. brotherly
Adjective
  • Chesney’s vision of a familial culture was also reinforced by senior linebacker Wyatt Mosier, who received a grant Tuesday in honor of Nick Pasquale — a former Bruin walk-on wide receiver who died in 2013 — from the Pasquale family.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • He's considered one of the most influential rappers of all time with songs that speak to the human experience of love, heartache and familial relationships.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fraternal

Nglish: Translation of fraternal for Spanish Speakers

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