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 the hospital outside General Santos, Lourdes Camia said she believed her brother-in-law, who was being treated for a heart attack, was safer outside -- despite the heat.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

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

Muldoon is survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart; parents Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr, his sister and brother-in-law Shana and Ahmet Zappa, niece Halo and nephew Arrow Zappa.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

While we were talking, her brother-in-law, Jeremy, came outside.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

“I helped my brother-in-law with our fields. But they don’t expect me to do very much now. They know I’m pretty busy over here.”

From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko

brother-in-law

Example Sentences

Related Words