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 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
However, the latest numbers, encompassing January-March 2026, show family petition approvals, which include spousal green cards, dropped to 180,000, the lowest level during the new administration. — Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 But some family members may qualify for spousal benefits or survivor benefits based on your Social Security record. — Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
Clancy is, in these tellings, a victim of spousal abuse akin to torture, whose partner cruelly exploited her postpartum suffering in order to dispose of his family. — Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 Fifty-eight percent of advisors said clients don’t realize ex-spousal or ex-survivor benefits may be available to them after a divorce, and a similar share said clients simply confuse spousal and survivor benefits altogether. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 31 Aug. 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

Rhymes for spousal

See All Rhymes for spousal

Browse Nearby Words

spot zone
spousal
spouse
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spousal. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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