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.

“This program helps ensure families can begin that journey with greater stability and peace of mind.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Have your kids take extended leaves of absence from school and go live with other families somewhere else.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Brian McGirr, brother of Colm McGirr, said the families have been "fighting to get justice" for 43 years.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Kim Johnson, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, said the initiative would help families enjoy their first few weeks at home with a new baby.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

And sometimes the families we build are just as strong as those we’re born into.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin