prodigal son

NOUN

forgiven child

Synonyms

WEAK

lost lamb magdalen penitent prodigal prodigal returned returnee

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.

He may have seemed ready for a homecoming in 1981, but MTT’s appointment as principal guest conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic did not prove to be the return of the prodigal son.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

A woman would ask for wisdom in dealing with a prodigal son.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Back then, Strasburg’s contract was seen as a major win for the Nationals — the prodigal son who decided to stay home.

From Washington Times • Aug. 24, 2023

He’s also been taken out of the Kentucky landscape that was essential to “Justified” and sent on a road trip to Detroit, where he’s now an unwanted outsider rather than a prodigal son.

From New York Times • Jul. 17, 2023

When the prodigal son comes home in Luke 15:20, “His father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman