Synonyms of in-lawnext
: a relative by marriage

Examples of in-law 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.
Sometime in 1983, Jamila Ismail’s in-laws arrived from Pakistan. Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 Brother-in-law Howard Katzen was Norton Tire’s senior vice president. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 Between the jealousy, paranoia, and a shocking cake-cutting scene that'd give any wedding planner a lifetime of nightmares, The Girlfriend puts a soapy, sexy, scary spin on well-trodden monster-in-law territory. Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026 For yards with plenty of room to play, consider adding in an in-law suit or pool house to complete the design. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in-law

Word History

Etymology

mother-in-law, etc.

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in-law was in 1892

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Cite this Entry

“In-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in-law. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

in-law

noun
ˈin-ˌlȯ
: a relative by marriage

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