Synonyms for Marriage

Updated 2026-10-12 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: Marriage synonyms include terms like wedlock, nuptials, and matrimony that describe the state of being married. This list offers close matches, formal options, and informal phrases to help you choose the perfect word for your sentence. You will also find antonyms and guidance on how to select the right term based on tone and context.

Closest Synonyms for Marriage

Wedlock: Used specifically for the state of being married. The couple remained in wedlock for many years before retiring.
Matrimony: A formal term often used in religious or traditional contexts. He entered matrimony with her in a small chapel.
Nuptials: Refers to the wedding ceremony itself or the state of being married. Her nuptials were celebrated by family and friends.
Conjugal union: A slightly formal phrase describing a marital relationship. The laws protect every valid conjugal union.
Husbandry: Rarely used for marriage, mostly for the state of a husband or the management of land. He took on new husbandry responsibilities after the wedding.
Bonded: Describes the deep connection formed by marriage. The two families felt bonded after the long ceremony.
Coupled: Indicates two people are paired together romantically. They have been coupled for over a decade now.
United: Emphasizes the joining of two lives as one. The couple felt united in their decision to move abroad.
Joined: A simple past tense verb indicating the act of becoming spouses. They were finally joined in holy matrimony.
Wedded: Past tense of marry, often used poetically. They wedded in the spring of last year.
Spousal: An adjective describing things related to marriage or a spouse. The spousal benefits were processed quickly by HR.
Consortship: A rare term meaning the state of being a consort or married partner. The royal consortship lasted for fifty years.

Formal Synonyms for Marriage

Conjugal: An adjective relating to marriage or a husband and wife. The conjugal rights were discussed during the meeting.
Nuptial: Usually an adjective, but can describe the wedding day or state. Her nuptial attire was a beautiful red gown.
Consort: Refers to a spouse, especially of royalty, or the state of being united. The royal consort attended the event with grace.
Union: A broad term for a joining, often used formally for marriage. The union was blessed by the officiant.
Alliance: Often used for political marriages but can imply a formal partnership between families. The marriage was seen as a strategic alliance.
Conjunction: A rare literary term for the joining of two things, like lives in marriage. The conjunction of their lives brought great joy.
Combination: Describes the merging of two elements, including people in a marital context. The combination of their skills made them a perfect match.

Informal Synonyms for Marriage

Being tied the knot: A common idiom for getting married. They decided to get married this summer and tie the knot.
Being hitched: Suggests being married, often with a playful tone. Are you going to be hitched soon?
Being wed: A casual way to say someone got married. I heard that he and she are finally wed.
Being a couple: Describes two people who are in a romantic relationship, often implying marriage. They have been a couple for ten years.
Living together: Sometimes used to describe a cohabiting couple, though not legally married. They have been living together for years.
Being in a union: A simple way to say two people are married. They have been in a union since college.
Having a spouse: Focuses on the person rather than the act. She has been having a spouse since last year.
Being partnered: A neutral term for being in a relationship, often used for marriage. He is currently being partnered with a colleague.
Being joined: Simple past tense indicating the act of marriage. They were joined in a quiet ceremony.
Being mates: A friendly term for being spouses or close partners. The old dogs have been mates for twenty years.

Stronger and Weaker Words

marriage of convenience: stronger; specific relationship dynamics
bondage: weaker; metaphorical or poetic use regarding commitment
coupling: weaker; casual or physical description
joining: weaker; generic action of coming together
unions: weaker; can refer to business or social as well as romantic
partnership: weaker; often used for non-romantic alliances
togetherness: weaker; describes the state rather than the legal act
commitment: weaker; describes the promise rather than the institution

Antonyms for Marriage

Divorce
Separation
Breakup
Singlehood
Spinsterhood
Bachelordom
Unwed
Celibacy
Solitude
Independence

How to Pick the Right Synonym

Choosing the right synonym for marriage depends on the tone you want to set. For formal writing or legal documents, words like matrimony or wedlock are best because they carry weight and tradition. If you are writing a casual story or speaking to friends, informal phrases like tying the knot or being hitched work better. Always consider the context of your sentence to ensure the word fits naturally and conveys the exact level of commitment you intend to describe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between marriage and wedlock?

Marriage is the general act or state of being married, while wedlock is specifically the legal state of being married. You might say a couple is in wedlock, but you would say they are in a marriage.

Are there formal synonyms for marriage?

Yes, formal synonyms include matrimony, nuptials, and conjugal union. These words are often found in legal documents, religious ceremonies, or formal literature.

What is a common informal phrase for marriage?

A common informal phrase is tying the knot, which is often used when discussing engagement or the upcoming wedding day in a friendly way.

Can marriage be used as a verb?

Yes, marriage can be used as a verb, though marry is more common. You can say they will marry next year, or that they have married for years, though the latter sounds slightly poetic.