Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for paternal. Search instead for paternos.
Definitions

paternal

[puh-tur-nl] / pəˈtɜr nl /


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.

“It somehow felt like it was upper-class,” Nana, my paternal grandmother, recently told me.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

The paternal instinct comes naturally for Hernández, who has taken the time off to enjoy his wife and his two children, including his son who was born in February.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

In the process, they identified 15 living male descendants linked directly through the paternal line to Leonardo's father and his half-brother, Domenico Benedetto.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

James's last name didn't feature in Michelle's paternal line - he wasn't her father.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

“Your age?” he asked, perhaps trying to sound paternal.

From "Night" by Elie Wiesel




Vocabulary lists containing paternal


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "paternal" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com