Synonyms for

Maternity

Verb / mʌˈtɜ:nɪti: / Another word for maternity — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the state of being a mother; motherhood

Synonyms & similar words

pregnancy maternalism maternalquality gestation motherhood motherliness motherhood parenthood pregnancy gestation childbearing reproduction procreation fertility birthing parturition delivery childbirth nativity progeny offspring posterity family lineage descent genealogy

Synonyms by register

Formal

gestation childbearing pregnancy

Informal

mommyhood expecting

Literary

wombliness nurturing

Antonyms

paternity fatherhood manhood boyhood childlessness

Common collocations

  • maternity leave
  • maternity ward
  • maternity clothes
  • maternity care
  • maternity benefit
  • maternity hospital
  • maternity services

Word family

noun maternity
adjective maternal

Usage note

Maternity refers specifically to the state of being pregnant or having recently given birth, and is related to the mother. Paternity refers to the state of being a father.

Example sentences

  1. Maternity clothes are comfortable for pregnant women.
  2. She decided to take maternity leave after giving birth to her baby.
  3. The hospital has a new wing for maternity patients.
  4. Her doctor recommended taking prenatal vitamins during her maternity.
  5. The company offers maternity benefits for new moms.

Quotes

  • "Motherhood: All love begins and ends there." – Robert Browning
  • "Maternity is a matter of fact, paternity is a matter of opinion." – Unknown
  • "Maternity leave is a period of absence from work granted to a mother before and after the birth of her child." – Unknown

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