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.

For the families of the incarcerated, this original debut suggests, freedom can be as elusive as it is for the prisoners.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

But they are also well aware that for some families, the still-evolving space will serve a less highfalutin, if just as important, goal.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Stacey is one of hundreds of people who contacted the BBC after families said they were being left with hefty bills when inheriting retirement properties.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Though none of the photograph’s subjects have been definitively identified, many families have come forward believing that one of those iconic pairs of scuffed-up shoes belonged to their father, their great-great-uncle or other relation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 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