parenting 1 of 2

Definition of parentingnext
as in parenthood
the caring for a child by its parents as the big day approaches, the expectant couple are starting to get worried about their fitness for parenting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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parenting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of parent

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 parenting
Noun
Creative blocks, dating frustrations and parenting dynamics could surface early on in the day. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026 Now, Hall has stepped back from farming focus on parenting, but is still involved. Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
However, some Gen Zers are still in middle school, so there's still a lot to learn about how this generation will tackle parenting. Brianne Hogan, Parents, 5 Apr. 2026 To watch them at times, in fact, is to watch a kid parenting a parent. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parenting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parenting
Noun
  • Such is the case for Phil Collins, Madonna, Beyoncé and Billy Joel, who all used the experience of parenthood to inspire some of our favorite ballads and pop tunes that have stood the test of time.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Each episode will gather five celebrities who have all experienced a life-changing event such as anxiety, divorce, parenthood or grief, to discuss it in front of a studio audience.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Walker was also experiencing a mental health issue and was shot after raising a knife.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Several early tests failed, raising questions about the program’s future.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In total, there are nearly 500 similar maternity homes operating across the country.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The viral Vogue cover of a pregnant Rihanna, captured by Annie Leibowitz in 2022, made waves for the way the pop star’s lacey bustier catsuit challenged expectations of maternity wear.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • What happened after the birth has captivated more than 27 million viewers on Instagram and drawn attention to a striking example of cross-species nurturing behavior that any animal lover will want to understand.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Around that time, Mildred began nurturing the young Dean’s artistic skills.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Suzanne O’Donnell, an accomplished regional theater actor with a lot of Shakespeare on her resume, plays Penrose as both a warm mothering figure to these two occasionally babyish men but does not downplay the character’s pragmatic side.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
  • For almost a century, since the dawn of mass screen entertainment, society has passed through waves of panic over media’s effects on children, which have often coincided with panics over the effects of various kinds of mothering.
    Jean Garnett, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Parenting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parenting. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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