Synonyms for

Adult

Verb / ʌˈdʌlt / / ˈædʌlt / Another word for adult — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A person who is fully grown or developed.

Synonyms & similar words

grownup pornographic fullygrown juvenile big grown fullgrown grown-up mature full-grown ripe experienced seasoned knowledgeable sophisticated wise senior elderly older matured developed established settled serious responsible reliable trustworthy

Synonyms by register

Formal

mature fully developed grown-up

Informal

grown-up big kid old enough

Literary

man woman person

Antonyms

child infant baby minor youth juvenile

Common collocations

  • adult supervision
  • adult education
  • adult content
  • adult population
  • adult beverage
  • adult film
  • adult learner

Word family

noun adult
adjective adult

Usage note

While 'adult' can refer to any fully grown individual, it is often used in contrast to 'child' or 'minor', particularly in legal or social contexts. It can also be used to describe something intended for or pertaining to adults.

Example sentences

  1. I will be an adult when I turn eighteen.
  2. My dad is an adult and he goes to work every day.
  3. As an adult, you get to make your own decisions.
  4. My teacher is an adult and she knows a lot about history.
  5. When I grow up, I want to be an adult like my mom and dad.

Quotes

  • I'm an adult, but not like a real adult. - Lena Dunham
  • Adults are just outdated children. - Dr. Seuss
  • I refuse to grow up, but I'm not going to grow old. - George Carlin

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