families

[fam-uh-leez, fam-leez] / ˈfæm ə liz, ˈfæm liz /

NOUN

kin, offspring; classification

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clan folk group house household people tribe

STRONG

ancestors ancestry birth blood brood children class descendants descent dynasty extraction forebears genealogy generations genre in-laws inheritance issue kind kindred line lineage network parentage pedigree progenitors progeny race relations relationship relatives siblings strain subdivision system

WEAK

heirs and assigns kith and kin menage ménage

Antonyms

STRONG

parent

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.

How many pre-fight interviews now involved personal insults, aggressive posturing, the desire to settle a score—how many post-fight speeches involved aggressive call-outs, rather than thank-yous to their coaches or families or God.

From Slate • Jun. 14, 2026

One key distinction between the United States and many European countries involves support for families.

From Science Daily • Jun. 14, 2026

Victims and their families said the federal legislation puts the onus on them to enforce the law, and doesn’t address some types of group chats and images that people download to their camera rolls.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 2026

In her primary victory speech, Bass said families shouldn’t have to step around encampments, and Raman has said greater urgency is needed.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2026

Thousands of grieving families wondered about the afterlife as war churned wives into widows and children into orphans.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock