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Synonyms

young adult

American  

noun

  1. a teenager (used especially by publishers and librarians).

  2. a person in the early years of adulthood.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As a teenager and young adult, Jessica tried to learn more about her mom’s case.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

The victim, who is now a young adult, was finally identified and contacted after researchers saw a picture of her school uniform.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Erin Moriarity started saving and investing in her teens, and was “aggressively chasing FIRE” as a young adult “through very traditional behaviors: working, budgeting, and saving and investing,” she told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 14, 2026

Later as a young adult, Chen worked as an assistant to an award-winning Hollywood director who not only loved horses but was an avid believer of the Chinese zodiac.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

Looking for athletic young adult to play teen.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle