Find Antonyms

maternally Antonyms

Opposite of maternally

Because the opposite of maternally shifts with each meaning, the antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• adverb (Context 1)

In a manner characteristic of a caring, protective, or loving mother.

Usage Example

"The senior nurse smiled paternally at the frightened young patient and held his hand."

Strong
paternally
neglectfully
unfeelingly

• adverb (Context 2)

Through or by way of one's mother or the female line of descent.

Usage Example

"Mitochondrial DNA is inherited exclusively paternally from mother to offspring."

Strongest
paternally

Similar words to maternally

Words similar to maternally shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

motherly
matrilineally
nurturingly
protectively
affectionately
tenderly
See all synonyms of maternally

• Nearby Words

materially
maternal
maternalistic
maternally
maternity
matey
math

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Maternally. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/maternally
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