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.

In an aging society, young families represent a potential long-term asset as homeowners, taxpayers, employers, donors, volunteers—and parents.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

The shuttle service had primarily been transporting service personnel and their families who had been returning home for Eid.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

This inventory mismatch hits families earning around $75,000 especially hard.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

"I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of the injured."

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

Thirty-three are simply grieving families, who deserve whatever peace they can find.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse