partner
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for partner, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A spouse or other person with whom someone shares a romantic or domestic relationship.
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.
How to use partner
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English partener, altered (under the influence of "part") from an earlier form parcener, ultimately traced back to Latin partitio, "a dividing into parts."
Full origin of partner →Frequently asked questions
What does “partner” mean?
The word “partner” means a spouse or other person with whom someone shares a romantic or domestic relationship. In plain terms, someone you team up with — in a relationship, a business, or an activity.
How do you pronounce “partner”?
“Partner” is pronounced PAHT-nuh (/ˈpɑɹt.nɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “partner” in a sentence?
Here is “partner” used in a sentence: “She introduced her partner to the rest of the family.”
What part of speech is “partner”?
Depending on how it is used, “partner” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “partner” come from?
The word “partner” comes from Latin. From Middle English partener, altered (under the influence of "part") from an earlier form parcener, ultimately traced back to Latin partitio, "a dividing into parts.".
Is “partner” a common word?
“Partner” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “partner” have?
“Partner” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a spouse or other person with whom someone shares a romantic or domestic relationship.
What is the difference between a partner and a spouse?
A spouse is specifically a husband or wife, someone you are legally married to. A partner is broader: it covers a husband or wife but also an unmarried person you share a romantic or domestic life with. Every spouse is a partner, but a partner need not be a spouse.
Does 'partner' mean the couple is married?
Not necessarily. 'Partner' deliberately leaves marital status open, so it can describe a married couple, an engaged pair, or two people who live together without marrying. If you need to specify marriage, 'spouse', 'husband', or 'wife' are clearer. 'Partner' is chosen precisely when that detail is left unstated.