next of kin

NOUN

closest relative

Synonyms

WEAK

heir kinsman near relative relation relative sibling

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.

The man is believed to be their father, and his identity is being withheld until his next of kin is notified, according to the captain.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

They added: "Enquiries to identify her next of kin are ongoing."

From BBC • May 31, 2026

How does one go about helping a very elderly man who has only me as his next of kin?

From MarketWatch • Mar. 21, 2026

Identities of the deceased service members will be withheld for 24 hours after next of kin is informed.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

In the midst of all this, someone told Deborah that as Henrietta’s next of kin, she could request a copy of her mother’s records from Hopkins to learn about her death.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot