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
That lawsuit’s withdrawal marked a turning point, and brought the battle back to the core issues of spousal support and division of assets. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 10 Apr. 2026 The law gives immigration judges significant discretion to suspend public access to court proceedings — they are required to close hearings in matters involving spousal abuse and minor children, for example, unless there’s explicit direction from the affected people to do otherwise. Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
Gold said Cher ultimately retained a lawyer to try to reduce the monthly spousal support payments after Allman defaulted in the divorce case. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026 The former managing director at Goldman Sachs also requested spousal support from his ex. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026 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 25 Apr. 2026.

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