brotherhood
13 synonyms and 2 antonyms for brotherhood, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A close bond of loyalty and support like that between brothers.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use brotherhood
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Formed from "brother" plus the suffix "-hood", which turns a word into an abstract state or condition — the same pattern as "childhood" or "neighbourhood".
Full origin of brotherhood →Frequently asked questions
What does “brotherhood” mean?
The word “brotherhood” means a close bond of loyalty and support like that between brothers. In plain terms, the feeling of solidarity between brothers, or an organised group built on that kind of loyalty.
How do you pronounce “brotherhood”?
“Brotherhood” is pronounced BRUH-thuh-huud (/ˈbɹʌðɚˌhʊd/ in IPA).
How do you use “brotherhood” in a sentence?
Here is “brotherhood” used in a sentence: “Years of shared hardship created a real brotherhood among the crew.”
What is another word for “brotherhood”?
Words with a similar meaning to “brotherhood” include fraternity, association, fellowship, sodality, brethren and brotherness.
What is the opposite of “brotherhood”?
The opposite of “brotherhood” — its antonyms — are irrelationship and non-fraternity.
What part of speech is “brotherhood”?
“Brotherhood” is a noun.
Is “brotherhood” a common word?
“Brotherhood” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “brotherhood” have?
“Brotherhood” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a close bond of loyalty and support like that between brothers.
What is the difference between "brotherhood" and "fraternity"?
Both terms describe an organized group united by shared purpose or belief, but "fraternity" often specifically refers to formal collegiate or professional organizations, while "brotherhood" is broader and can also describe an informal close bond of loyalty and support. "Brotherhood" carries a slightly warmer, more emotional connotation.
Can "brotherhood" apply to people who are not related?
Yes, "brotherhood" commonly describes an organized group of people united by shared purpose, profession, or belief, with no requirement of actual family ties. It is often used for groups like religious orders, trade guilds, or activist movements.
Is "brotherhood" used only for men?
Traditionally "brotherhood" implies male bonding given its root in "brother," but it is sometimes used more broadly for close solidarity within any group. Terms like "sisterhood" or "kinship" are often preferred when referring specifically to women or mixed groups.