marry
14 synonyms and 2 antonyms for marry, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To become someone's husband or wife in a legal or religious ceremony.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use marry
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French "marier," from Latin "maritare," related to "maritus" meaning husband.
Full origin of marry →Frequently asked questions
What does “marry” mean?
The word “marry” means to become someone's husband or wife in a legal or religious ceremony. In plain terms, to become husband and wife, or figuratively, to blend two things together well.
How do you pronounce “marry”?
“Marry” is pronounced MA-ree (/ˈmæɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “marry” in a sentence?
Here is “marry” used in a sentence: “They plan to marry next June.”
What is another word for “marry”?
Words with a similar meaning to “marry” include bewed, conjoin, couple, espouse, handfast and hitch.
What is the opposite of “marry”?
The opposite of “marry” — its antonyms — are divorce and separate.
What part of speech is “marry”?
“Marry” is a verb.
Where does the word “marry” come from?
The word “marry” comes from Latin. From Old French "marier," from Latin "maritare," related to "maritus" meaning husband.
Is “marry” a common word?
“Marry” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between marry and wed?
Both mean to enter marriage, and they are largely interchangeable. 'Wed' is the older, more formal and literary word, common in headlines and vows, while 'marry' is the everyday term used in ordinary conversation. You might read that a couple 'wed' but say that friends are getting married.
What does it mean to marry someone?
To marry someone is to become their husband or wife through a legal or religious ceremony that formally joins two people as a couple. The act creates recognised rights and duties between partners, and is usually marked by a wedding attended by family, friends, and an official who conducts it.
Can the word 'marry' mean to perform a wedding?
Yes. 'Marry' works two ways: a couple marry each other, and the official who conducts the ceremony also marries them. So a priest, registrar, or celebrant can 'marry' a couple, meaning they perform the service that legally or religiously unites them.