baby 1 of 3

1
2
3
4
as in complainer
a person who makes frequent complaints usually about little things don't be such a baby—the shot didn't hurt that much

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

baby

2 of 3

verb

baby

3 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb baby contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of baby are humor, indulge, mollycoddle, pamper, and spoil. While all these words mean "to show undue favor to a person's desires and feelings," baby suggests excessive care, attention, or solicitude.

babying students by grading too easily

When might humor be a better fit than baby?

The synonyms humor and baby are sometimes interchangeable, but humor stresses a yielding to a person's moods or whims.

humored him by letting him tell the story

When can indulge be used instead of baby?

The words indulge and baby can be used in similar contexts, but indulge implies excessive compliance and weakness in gratifying another's or one's own desires.

indulged myself with food at the slightest excuse

Where would mollycoddle be a reasonable alternative to baby?

The words mollycoddle and baby are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mollycoddle suggests an excessive degree of care and attention to another's health or welfare.

refused to mollycoddle her malingering son

In what contexts can pamper take the place of baby?

In some situations, the words pamper and baby are roughly equivalent. However, pamper implies inordinate gratification of desire for luxury and comfort with consequent enervating effect.

pampered by the amenities of modern living

When would spoil be a good substitute for baby?

The meanings of spoil and baby largely overlap; however, spoil stresses the injurious effects on character by indulging or pampering.

foolish parents spoil their children

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of baby
Noun
The government’s role should not be to decide how many babies need to be born. Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025 Charts analyzing baby name preferences in conservative (red) and liberal (blue) U.S. states have gone viral. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
Claire Danes is getting mixed reactions to baby No. 3. Glenn Garner, Peoplemag, 28 Jan. 2023 The cake symbolizes the three kings bringing gifts to baby Jesus. Karla Pope, Good Housekeeping, 24 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for baby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baby
Noun
  • Find the little trans child that is ruining your life.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Born in Georgia, Ridley was the seventh of eight children, and born on Dec. 21, 1952.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Had Melanie Robinson survived, the 38-year-old mother would have been arrested on capital murder of a person under 10 years old in the death of her baby, Jonas Allen.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2025
  • More than 200 attendees in person and online showed up March 24 for the launch of the EndurANT Movement, founded by Encinitas residents Neal and Samara Tricarico one year after their 16-year-old son Anthony died by suicide.
    Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While Colorado itself hasn't had significant success, Deion has at least produced some fascinating NFL prospects.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The Kansas chapter has done similar projects in the past with success, said executive director Denise Cyzman.
    Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Neither team led by more than eight points all night, but the Lakers nursed a small lead throughout the final 17 minutes.
    Khobi Price, Oc Register, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Mothers nurse their pups for only a month before mating and heading out to the open ocean.
    Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Guests will also receive a complimentary mini Temple Oud candle with any Cécred service.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Each customer will also receive a mini Temple Oud candle with the hair services.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the toxicology literature, a series of reports suggest a rise in melatonin misuse—and indicate that some caregivers are even giving doses to infants.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Vulnerable populations, including infants and older adults, are susceptible to health risks because of the colder temperatures.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, most of the damages (as much as 90%) will be allocated to football and men’s basketball due to the revenue generated by the respective sports.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The film explores Ian’s romantic relationships with men and women and her evolving sense of her sexuality.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Rejoining Formula 1 as its official timekeeper in 2025 is part of this version —but the message is broader: the brand is for those who push limits of high performance, competitiveness and accomplishment, in sports or life.
    Stéphane JG Girod, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Whether that's more impressive than his in-ring accomplishments is up to interpretation.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Baby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baby. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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