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in-law

noun

ˈin-ˌlȯ How to pronounce in-law (audio)
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.
The interview was filmed in Montana, where Newsom’s in-laws own a ranch, as Newsom and Tapper fly-fished together. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026 Newsom made the comments during an extended interview with Tapper at the Democratic governor's in-laws' ranch in Montana, where the two spoke while fly-fishing about Newsom's personal life, political career and potential presidential ambitions. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026 Moving internationally means paring things down to what can fit in three suitcases, and my in-laws have space for a couple of boxes to be stored in their attic. — The Spruce, 14 Sep. 2026 Over one tense weekend, old patterns and buried wounds surface in front of in-laws and guests, until the celebration fractures into a confrontation. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Sep. 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

Rhymes for in-law

See All Rhymes for in-law

Browse Nearby Words

inlaut
in-law
in-law apartment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in-law. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

in-law

noun
ˈin-ˌlȯ
: a relative by marriage

More from Merriam-Webster on in-law

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