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.

Have your kids take extended leaves of absence from school and go live with other families somewhere else.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

We spent most of our time just the two of us, but we were slowly integrating our respective worlds and families.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Depriving prisoners of communication with the outside world also punishes their families.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

Newborns generally go through about eight to 10 diapers a day, making diapers one of the most expensive items for young families.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

For thirty years she had worked as a governess in wealthy families and she continually compared our behavior with that of the young ladies and gentlemen she was used to.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom