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.

But ministers are concerned that families are still facing costs to secure places – through demands for non-refundable deposits.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

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

"But at least our families respect us for the money we send back home."

From Barron's • May 25, 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

We sit with the other families in the shade of some trees on the side of the road.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar