civil union

noun

Synonyms of civil unionnext
: the legal status that ensures to same-sex couples specified rights and responsibilities of married couples

Examples of civil union 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.
Tusk's government came to power with a promise to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples. ABC News, 14 May 2026 Tusk’s government came to power with a promise to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples. Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 In another example, Francis came out in support of civil unions for same-sex couples, something previously opposed by the Vatican’s doctrine office. Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025 The project was part of a $1 billion modernization program. 2011: For the first time in Illinois history, gay and lesbian couples obtained civil unions. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for civil union

Word History

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of civil union was in 1992

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Cite this Entry

“Civil union.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civil%20union. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Legal Definition

civil union

noun
: the legal status that ensures to same-sex couples specified rights and responsibilities of married couples

Note: Following Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. ___ (2015), civil unions in some states were converted to marriages by operation of law, or could be converted by action of the couple.

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