Definitions

parental

[puh-ren-tl] / pəˈrɛn tl /

ADJECTIVE

having the quality or nature of a parent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fatherly maternal paternal

WEAK

affectionate benevolent benign caring comforting devoted fond forbearing gentle indulgent kind loving matriarchal motherly patriarchal protective sheltering supportive tender warm watchful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Among the changes: A document once known as the Parental Interests Directive has been given a new name under Trump — the Detained Parents Directive.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Parental responsibility in mass shootings has come increasingly under the spotlight in recent years.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Parental love is the foundation from which any child can comfortably and confidently take risks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

Parental orders in England and Wales rose from 117 in 2011 to 413 in 2020.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2025

Local Teen Trapped in Parental Vortex of Expectation and Disappointment, Doesn’t Expect to Be Rescued The nice thing about having an overachieving asshole for an older brother is that it takes the pressure off.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon

parental

Example Sentences

Related Words