nuclear family

noun

Definition of nuclear familynext
as in extended family
the part of a family that includes only the father, mother, and children

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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 nuclear family Go take care of your nuclear family! — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026 Built up in the 1870s as a resort for nuclear families, Fire Island was destroyed by a hurricane in the 1930s, which quickly chased away its upper-class vacationers. — Air Mail, 23 May 2026 In this case, the one on trial is the nuclear family. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026 The nuclear family at the heart of the story are first met living in the rustic splendor of the German countryside, in a scruffy, characterful house far bigger than this family of three — Philip, Lucy and their six- or seven-year-old son Johnny (Malo Blanchet) — obviously needs. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for nuclear family
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nuclear family
  1. extended family
  2. blended family
  3. people
  4. tribe
  5. household
  6. house
  7. clan
  8. blood
Noun
  • The State Department also sanctioned the wife of Alejandro Castro Espin, a member of the Castro extended family.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 23 June 2026
  • In addition to Nancy and Grayton, Weston is survived by his father, Keith, and other extended family.
    — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Definition of extended family
Noun
  • Dietrich, 36, is now a stay-at-home mother to her blended family of four teenagers and a 17-month-old.
    — Megan Leonhardt, Fortune, 3 Jan. 2023
  • Kourtney Kardashian Barker spent the Christmas holiday with her blended family.
    — Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 29 Dec. 2022
Definition of blended family
Noun
  • Another 13 people were wounded on downtown Sacramento’s K Street and 10th Street, in what became the deadliest mass shooting in the city’s history.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
  • Organizers say more than 125,000 people are expected throughout the event, bringing in millions of dollars for the local economy.
    — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Definition of people
Noun
  • Absent a chair, the commission is unable to perform some key responsibilities, like enforcing legal and safety violations, approving new tribal gambling laws and certifying management agreements between tribes and casino operators.
    — Savannah Peters, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Miccosukee tribe runs a service plaza halfway across with a food court, gas station and casino.
    — Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of tribe
Noun
  • And given that, and the high state and municipal taxes many households and businesses face, Fazio added, Connecticut should tighten retirement benefits again before extending them next summer.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • With the average American household using about 899 kWh every four weeks, that translates to a monthly bill of approximately $177 before delivery charges, taxes and other fees.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of household
Noun
  • Investigators learned that the man allegedly arrived at his ex-girlfriend's house uninvited and assaulted her.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Spray the solution at key entry points around the house, such as windows, doors and near plumbing.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of house
Noun
  • Unlike many agrarian states, which relied on centralized bureaucracies and hereditary elites, Mongol political culture emphasized personal loyalty, military ability, and flexible leadership within clan networks.
    — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The five-person clan (including a charming Max Greenfield as patriarch Ted, and Eitan Friedman and Matan Friedman as those wild brothers) live in relative domestic tranquility in Small Town Anywhere, USA.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of clan
Noun
  • Investigators looked over the woman’s vehicle and discovered a bullet hole through the passenger-side window and blood in the car.
    — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
  • He was orphaned at 13 and raised by his brother Frank, an experience that shaped his belief that family is built through showing up for people, not just blood.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of blood

Browse Nearby Words

nuclear families
nuclear family
nuclei
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Cite this Entry

“Nuclear family.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nuclear%20family. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nuclear family

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nuclear family

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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