belonging
noun
be·long·ing bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ 
bē-
1
: possession —usually used in plural
2
: close or intimate relationship
a sense of belonging
belongingness noun
Synonyms
- chumminess
- closeness
- familiarity
- inseparability
- intimacy
- nearness
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
the warm welcome they received from the community gave them a sense of belonging packed up all their belongings and moved across the country
Recent Examples on the Web Success through work, no matter one’s station, is a key to self-esteem, independence and belonging. 
Nicholas Eberstadt, WSJ, 2 Sep. 2022 District officials hope boosts in attendance, student belonging and family involvement come with it. Olivia Krauth, The Courier-Journal, 2 June 2022 Like sleep and dreams or the immune system or the digestive system, play is part of the need of an animal for its developmental solidarity and social belonging. Matt Villano, CNN, 19 Aug. 2022 Ahmed uses the Partition to lay bare the violence inherent in racist ideas of national belonging. Ajay Verghese, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2022 Everyone in the class, the teacher included, is on some level looking for comfort and belonging. Oliver Munday, The Atlantic, 29 July 2022 The family legacy now reposes with Damario Solomon-Simmons, the attorney whose coming to consciousness—from African American to Black Creek—poses hard questions about citizenship and belonging. Philip Deloria, The New Yorker, 18 July 2022 Yet requiring students to discuss deeply personal, polarizing topics upon their arrival does not foster a sense of connection or belonging. Abigail Anthony, National Review, 15 July 2022 Lee said the new location will help give staff, students and families a sense of community and belonging. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2022 See More
Nicholas Eberstadt, WSJ, 2 Sep. 2022 District officials hope boosts in attendance, student belonging and family involvement come with it. Olivia Krauth, The Courier-Journal, 2 June 2022 Like sleep and dreams or the immune system or the digestive system, play is part of the need of an animal for its developmental solidarity and social belonging. Matt Villano, CNN, 19 Aug. 2022 Ahmed uses the Partition to lay bare the violence inherent in racist ideas of national belonging. Ajay Verghese, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2022 Everyone in the class, the teacher included, is on some level looking for comfort and belonging. Oliver Munday, The Atlantic, 29 July 2022 The family legacy now reposes with Damario Solomon-Simmons, the attorney whose coming to consciousness—from African American to Black Creek—poses hard questions about citizenship and belonging. Philip Deloria, The New Yorker, 18 July 2022 Yet requiring students to discuss deeply personal, polarizing topics upon their arrival does not foster a sense of connection or belonging. Abigail Anthony, National Review, 15 July 2022 Lee said the new location will help give staff, students and families a sense of community and belonging. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1
belonging 1 of 2
noun
1
as in intimacy
the state of being in a very personal or private relationship the warm welcome they received from the community gave them a sense of belonging Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- intimacy
- kinship
- familiarity
- friendship
- nearness
- affection
- love
- closeness
- inseparability
- affinity
- chumminess
- commitment
- devotion
- attachment
- fellowship
- immediacy
- goodwill
- passion
- faithfulness
- mutuality
- fondness
- fidelity
- amity
- devotedness
- cordiality
- conviviality
- constancy
- geniality
- affability
- cliquishness
- clubbiness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- distance
- reserve
- coldness
- coolness
- remoteness
- aloofness
2
as in possession
belongings plural transportable items that one owns packed up all their belongings and moved across the country Synonyms & Similar Words
- possession
- things
- stuff
- personal effects
- movables
- holdings
- chattels
- personal property
- moveables
- effects
- goods
- paraphernalia
- plunder
- gear
- personalty
- treasures
- property
- duds
- furnishings
- valuables
- fixtures
- estate
- collateral
- tangibles
- appointments
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- real estate
- immovables
belonging
2 of 2verb
1
as in staying
to have or be in a usual or proper place your shoes belong in the closet, not in the middle of the living room where people will trip on them Synonyms & Similar Words
- staying
- going
- placing
- fitting (in)
2
as in pertaining
to be the property of a person or group of persons those textbooks belong to the school system and not to the students Synonyms & Similar Words
- pertaining
- possessing
- appertaining
- owning
- having
- holding