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.

For the families of the incarcerated, this original debut suggests, freedom can be as elusive as it is for the prisoners.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Tens of thousands of dollars in donations have poured into a fundraiser set up for their families.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

"We understand that needs will differ and may change over time and would welcome the chance to meet with families to understand how we can continue to help," the council added.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Though none of the photograph’s subjects have been definitively identified, many families have come forward believing that one of those iconic pairs of scuffed-up shoes belonged to their father, their great-great-uncle or other relation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Patrons— families with young children, groups of chattering friends, couples on dates, and solo diners—sit at green picnic tables, their plates piled with food.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith