brother-in-law

[bruhth-er-in-law] / ˈbrʌð ər ɪnˌlɔ /

NOUN

kinsman

Synonyms

STRONG

agnate aunt blood cognate connection cousin father father-in-law folk folks grandparents in-laws kin kinsperson kinswoman mother mother-in-law nephew niece relation sib sibling sister-in-law stepbrother stepparent stepsister uncle

WEAK

clansperson great-grandparents

NOUN

kinswoman

Synonyms

STRONG

agnate aunt blood cognate connection cousin father father-in-law folk folks grandparents in-laws kin kinsman kinsperson mother mother-in-law nephew niece relation sib sibling sister-in-law stepbrother stepparent stepsister uncle

WEAK

clansperson great-grandparents

NOUN

relative

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aunt cousin father folk mother niece sibling uncle

STRONG

agnate blood cognate connection father-in-law folks grandparents in-laws kinsperson mother-in-law nephew relation sib sister-in-law stepbrother stepparent stepsister

WEAK

clansperson great-grandparents

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At one point, Spaeny looked over to see her brother-in-law having a heart-to-heart with Melton’s dad.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

While the ceremony itself remained private with reportedly just Anderson’s twin sister as a witness and brother-in-law as officiant, the absence underscored how closely the Trump family continues to be scrutinized even in personal milestones.

From Salon • May 23, 2026

When Magyar's brother-in-law, Márton Melléthei-Barna, was named justice minister, the new government was bitterly criticised on social media.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Ahmad said that those were photos from a trip to see his brother-in-law, who was training at a U.S. military base.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

Yes, it was a great shock for Milton to discover his brother-in-law on the train platform.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

brother-in-law

Example Sentences

Related Words