spousal

1 of 2

adjective

spou·​sal ˈspau̇-zəl How to pronounce spousal (audio)
-səl
Synonyms of spousalnext
: 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
The couple also didn’t seek spousal support at the time and asked to separate their assets. Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 5 Dec. 2025 As outrage over the verdict catalyzed activist campaigns into criminalizing spousal rape in every state (only achieved, with many loopholes, in 1993) the town of Salem, Oregon just wanted to move on. Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
In his filing, Scott asked the judge to eliminate potential spousal support for both himself and Carrie during divorce proceedings or at any point in the future. Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025 On this week’s New Heights, Clooney — who’s been married to Amal since 2014 and shares two twin children with her — went on to share his outlook on spousal tiffs with the Kelce brothers. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Dec. 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 13 Dec. 2025.

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