spousal

1 of 2

adjective

spou·​sal ˈspau̇-zəl How to pronounce spousal (audio)
-səl
: of, relating to, or involving a spouse
spousal affection
spousal assault
spousal support
spousally adverb

spousal

2 of 2

noun

: nuptials
usually used in 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
According to the documents, neither Haack nor Hall were ordered to pay spousal support despite not having a prenup. Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025 Survivor benefits are separate from spousal benefits. Thomas Hager, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
If spouses are collecting, married at least a year and the same age, but one spouse’s benefit is less than half the other’s, then that spouse should claim spousal benefits instead. Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025 The only character who seems entirely transparent is Frederik, who can’t hide his resentment of his second-class spousal status or his contempt for the sycophants and mediocrities who cling to his wife like barnacles. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spousal. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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