Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

paternal

[puh-tur-nl] / pəˈtɜr nl /


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.

See Examples For:

After a brief spell in a Parisian convent school—and several months spent nursing her paternal grandmother—Aurore was wed, at age 18, to Casimir Dudevant, a family friend nine years her senior.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 7, 2026

But an 1889 imperial house law stipulated that only men could become emperor, and only through the paternal line.

From Barron's Jul. 17, 2026

The researchers propose that when paternal care evolved from maternal care, it likely reflects a form of sexual selection known as 'enhanced fecundity', in which females favor males that are already caring for eggs.

From Science Daily Jul. 12, 2026

The paternal great-grandmother of goalie Matt Turner fled religious persecution in Lithuania, with his Jewish ancestors changing their family name from Turnovski to Turner when they arrived at Ellis Island.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 15, 2026

“You know, Reilly, I don’t wanna fire you,” Mr. Clyde said in a paternal tone.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole




Vocabulary lists containing paternal


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training