marriage of convenience
noun phrase
: a marriage contracted for social, political, or economic advantage rather than for mutual affection
broadly
: a union or cooperation formed solely for pragmatic reasons
Examples of marriage of convenience in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Instead of being built on a solid foundation of love, marriages of convenience are seen as settling or even unfulfilling.
—
Myisha Battle, TIME, 17 July 2024
As evidence of love reigning supreme, some of the less likable characters find themselves in marriages of convenience, while the protagonists always seem to land in romantic relationships.
—Myisha Battle, TIME, 17 July 2024
In the past, opposition parties have made marriages of convenience in an attempt to block the RN – under its previous name, the National Front – from entering government.
—Christian Edwards, CNN, 29 June 2024
Yet as the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) winds down militarily, so too will the many marriages of convenience among its enemies.
—Mara Karlin, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2018
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.
Myisha Battle, TIME, 17 July 2024
As evidence of love reigning supreme, some of the less likable characters find themselves in marriages of convenience, while the protagonists always seem to land in romantic relationships.
—Myisha Battle, TIME, 17 July 2024
In the past, opposition parties have made marriages of convenience in an attempt to block the RN – under its previous name, the National Front – from entering government.
—Christian Edwards, CNN, 29 June 2024
Yet as the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) winds down militarily, so too will the many marriages of convenience among its enemies.
—Mara Karlin, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Marriage of convenience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marriage%20of%20convenience. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share