noun
Uncommon
adultery
uh-DUHL-tuh-ree
Adultery (noun) means Sexual activity between a married person and someone who is not their spouse. Example: “He was accused of adultery during the divorce proceedings.”
noun
1
Sexual activity between a married person and someone who is not their spouse.
"She engaged in adultery because her spouse has a low libido, while hers is very high."
"He was accused of adultery during the divorce proceedings."
"Adultery remains grounds for divorce in many jurisdictions."
"Under modern statutory law, some courts hold that the unmarried participant isn't guilty of adultery (that only the married participant is)"
— Garner's Modern American Usage (2009)
How to use adultery
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCheating on your husband or wife.
Common mistake
Not related in origin to the word "adult," even though it looks similar.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
commit adultery
accused of adultery
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Word forms
- Plural
- adulteries
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was accused of _____ during the divorce proceedings.
Etymology
From Old French adultere, from Latin adulterium, from adulterare ("to corrupt, defile"). Despite the visual similarity, it is not related to "adult."
Synonyms
View more →
fornication
advowtry
Related words
Rhymes for adultery
See all rhymes for adultery →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of adultery?
"adultery" (noun) means sexual activity between a married person and someone who is not their spouse.
What is another word for adultery?
Other words for "adultery" include advowtry, fornication.
How do you use adultery in a sentence?
Example: "He was accused of adultery during the divorce proceedings."
Featured in
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