Definition of motherlynext
as in maternal
of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother she showed a sweet motherly tenderness toward the tiny kitten she was taking care of

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of motherly Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn To some, going home is a relaxing retreat full of motherly love and too much food. Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026 While some see Nelly as an empathetic and motherly caretaker, others view her as a manipulative, calculating instigator who shapes the narrative to justify her own actions. Megan McCluskey, Time, 13 Feb. 2026 Shlesinger balances the drama and comedy of the film, while Mullally provides constant laughs with her Southern drawl and absurd motherly criticisms of her daughter. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026 That idea comes across in an especially poignant scene in season 5, volume 2, when Robin has a very motherly talk with Will about coming out. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motherly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motherly
maternal
Adjective
  • Both their maternal grandparents, Fátima Valencia and Narciso Mucutuy, and Ranoque, Tien and Cristin's father, have requested to have legal custody.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
  • Thus, the film evolves into a twisted take on the maternal bond between Peter and Wendy Darling, especially when Ben can’t bring himself to strangle Sasha to death during the film’s climax.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Motherly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motherly. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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