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
Adjective
The luxury real estate agent will not receive spousal support as his tax-free payment will be granted upfront. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 24 Oct. 2023 The luxury real estate agent will not receive spousal support as his tax-free payment will be granted upfront as opposed to over time. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 7 Oct. 2023 Carol is technically due 50% of Bob’s rate, or $1,600 in spousal benefits. Tom Margenau, Dallas News, 3 Sep. 2023 Federal ethics law requires top officials from all branches of government, including the justices, to file annual disclosures listing investments, gifts, outside income and the source of spousal income so that the public can assess potential conflicts of interest. Ann E. Marimow, Anchorage Daily News, 31 Aug. 2023 After the women broke up, Barnett publicly outed King by suing her for spousal support in 1981. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2023 The main aim of King’s December court filing was to seek spousal support and other means of assistance, such as housing and healthcare, as well as to gain access to her own assets and tax documents to prepare for a possible divorce trial, Ratner said as part of the filing. Jonah Valdez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2023 That means that Alice, the teacher, will still get $280 in spousal benefits from Ted’s record. Tom Margenau, Dallas News, 3 Sep. 2023 Answer: Her benefit is probably a spousal benefit, which is based on your work record. Liz Weston, oregonlive, 2 Sep. 2023
Noun
Turner-Smith also asked that neither party receive spousal support, and that her former husband pay her attorney fees. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 11 Nov. 2023 Emily also requested that the court terminate the ability to award spousal support. Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 8 Nov. 2023 At the time, the government did not offer full spousal benefits for gay couples. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 7 Nov. 2023 Back then, free spousal labor was common in government service: during much of the Cold War, even into the 1980s, wives of politicians and diplomats were expected to serve as full-time adjuncts. TIME, 18 Oct. 2023 The documents also revealed that Turner-Smith filed to terminate the court's ability to award spousal support to either party. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 10 Oct. 2023 The documents also reveal that Turner-Smith has filed to terminate the court's ability to award spousal support to either party. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 2 Oct. 2023 King said in the documents that Allman owed her $25,000 in outstanding spousal support payments. Jonah Valdez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2023 Per the documents, the black-ish actor, 53, will pay his ex-wife spousal support as well as cover her attorney fees. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spousal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near spousal

Cite this Entry

“Spousal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spousal. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

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