adultery

noun

ə-ˈdəl-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce adultery (audio)
Definition of adulterynext
as in cheating
a sexual encounter or relationship between a married person and someone other than their spouse adultery is the cause of many divorces

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of adultery New York adopted a general divorce law in 1787 but the only grounds were adultery, which was also a crime. — Patricia Fersch, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 The filings alleged adultery as the reason behind the divorce. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 June 2026 Public opinion is against adultery. — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 His wife filed for divorce in 2025 after accusing him of adultery. — NBC news, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for adultery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adultery
  1. cheating
  2. misconduct
  3. infidelity
Noun
  • Despite multiple requests from test takers and lawmakers, the DMV has not provided any details about the nature of the alleged cheating, and some of those who must take the test over feel like they’ve been unfairly accused.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
  • But that successful act of cheating is central to Maradona’s legend, as is his defiance in the aftermath.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026
Definition of cheating
Noun
  • The New York City Department of Investigation is the city’s independent watchdog agency, which investigates fraud, corruption, misconduct, municipal malfeasance, city employees, contractors, and individuals who do business with the city.
    — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • During this weekend in Nantucket, Brooke decides to leave her husband, Charlie, amid his workplace misconduct allegations.
    — Max Gao, Variety, 11 July 2026
Definition of misconduct
Noun
  • The same day Diana wore the gown, her estranged husband admitted to infidelity on national television.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 July 2026
  • Plots tend to involve women in various types of distress, facing things like murder, stalking, infidelity, illicit love, kidnapping, and storm-chasing serial killers.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
Definition of infidelity

Browse Nearby Words

adulterous
adultery
adulthood
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adultery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adultery. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on adultery

Nglish: Translation of adultery for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about adultery

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