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.

On phone calls, and in person, the families of the dead girls began to meet to share their grief and swap notes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

“Evidence suggests that when families have supportive infrastructure around them, they’re more likely to have the children they want to have,” Erin Erenberg, co-founder and CEO of Chamber of Mothers, told Salon.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

Becky Alderton, experience manager at Best of Suffolk, said a break away was very important for families - and with the conflict causing uncertainty, it was seeing an increase in demand for its cottages.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Meanwhile, another 400 families have kept their Mystic deposits, giving them the option to return next year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Capron’s publication ended with a two-page list of witnesses: doctors, judges, ministers, editors, lawyers, and prominent families throughout the country.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock