spousal

1 of 2

adjective

spou·​sal ˈspau̇-zəl How to pronounce spousal (audio)
-səl
Synonyms of spousalnext
: of, relating to, or involving a spouse
spousal affection
spousal assault
spousal support
spousally adverb

spousal

2 of 2

noun

: nuptials
usually used in plural

Examples of spousal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
No one was ordered to pay spousal support, and McKee and Tepe each kept their own vehicles and debts. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026 The gringos are coming, and Latour must shore up the diocese, trekking between isolated haciendas and pueblos with his quasi-spousal companion Father Vaillant. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
The senators had previously sent a letter to the SSA in April 2025 expressing concerns about retroactive spousal benefits under the new law. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026 The policy applies to immigrant visas issued abroad — including spousal visas — though applications may still be filed and interviews conducted while the pause remains in place. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spousal

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English spousaille, from Anglo-French spousailles, espusailles espousal

First Known Use

Adjective

1904, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spousal was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spousal. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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