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
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Recent Examples of adultery
Within the White Lotus, adultery abounds, couples engage in power plays, and flirtatious encounters occur among old friends and strangers alike.
—
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
In his 1991 book The Third Chimpanzee: The Evolution and Future of the Human Animal, biologist Jared Diamond claimed the adultery rate among humans was between 5% and 30%.
—Byandrew Curry, science.org, 6 Mar. 2025
But Barbara was never cut out to be a housewife and Nick’s adultery was a devastating blow.
—Patti Callahan Henry, People.com, 16 Mar. 2025
Texas law doesn't consider adultery to be a felony or misdemeanor.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 9 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for adultery
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
In his 1991 book The Third Chimpanzee: The Evolution and Future of the Human Animal, biologist Jared Diamond claimed the adultery rate among humans was between 5% and 30%.
—Byandrew Curry, science.org, 6 Mar. 2025
But Barbara was never cut out to be a housewife and Nick’s adultery was a devastating blow.
—Patti Callahan Henry, People.com, 16 Mar. 2025
Texas law doesn't consider adultery to be a felony or misdemeanor.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 9 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for adultery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adultery
Noun
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Baldwin also faced an involuntary manslaughter charge in connection with Hutchins’ death, but a judge dismissed the case in the middle of trial last summer due to prosecutorial misconduct and evidence suppression.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
24 May 2025
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When an instance of misconduct is alleged and the investigation begins to make some headway, the police or corrections officer might quit or retire.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
24 May 2025
Noun
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The entrepreneur and wellness coach addressed rumors of infidelity while responding directly to a fan’s accusation on Instagram.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
23 May 2025
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Honey is typically in the business of infidelity, taking cases involving suspicious spouses and their philandering partners.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adultery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adultery. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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