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.

But the consequence would be a massive disruption of stable, loving families, as countless parents are told that they have no legal claim as parents to their own kids.

From Slate • May 13, 2026

The atmosphere in the hearing room became tense, as Elias was challenged by Tim Moloney KC - representing the bereaved families - on why he did not visit his brother.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

With only the very poor or very rich having any way of paying for long-term care, that leaves the families of the broad middle class struggling financially and emotionally to keep mom and dad safe.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

He’s engaged in an unseen, often undervalued duty as a coach — providing comfort to players and their families.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

I recognize the Armenian and Greek kids who go to church with their families, the Muslim Turkish kids who go to the mosque with their families.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar