grass widow
Husband away indefinitely
A grass widow is a woman whose husband is temporarily away—for work, military service, or travel—leaving her effectively alone.
The term also applies to a woman separated, divorced, or abandoned by her husband.
She became a grass widow when he took a job overseas.
The expression is old-fashioned and rarely used today except in historical contexts.
Separated by emotional distance
- apartIn different locations
- absentNot in attendance
- aloneWithout others present
- left behindAbandoned or forgotten
abandoned · forsaken · waiting · longing · pining · distant · separated · parted
Formerly married person
- ex-spouseDivorced husband or wife
- alimonyCourt-ordered post-divorce payments
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
- custodyProtective care or control
dissolution · family court · single mother · co-parenting · child support · ex-partner · spousal support · split
Of a prim era
- EdwardianOf early twentieth-century Britain
- colonialOf occupied territories
- expatriateOne living abroad permanently
- frontierEdge of settlement
war bride · conscription · sailors · merchantmen · missionaries · chaperone · courtship · dowry
Depending on oneself alone
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- freedomAbsence of constraint
- empowermentGaining authority or confidence
- self-sufficiencyIndependence from outside aid
resourceful · capable · adaptable · solo · unattached · making do · head of household · decision-maker
Power to exert force
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- copingManaging under strain
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
survival · patience · steadfastness · determination · carrying on · stoic · uncomplaining
Informal talk spreading rumors
- rumorUnconfirmed circulating story
- reputationCollective opinion of someone
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- respectabilityMoral and social worthiness
suspicion · pity · judgment · social status · impropriety · tongues wagging · lonely hearts · vulnerability
estranged
Separated by emotional distance
left behind · abandoned · forsaken · waiting · longing · pining · distant · separated · parted · living apart
divorcee
Formerly married person
- ex-spouseDivorced husband or wife
- alimonyCourt-ordered post-divorce payments
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
custody · dissolution · family court · single mother · co-parenting · child support · ex-partner · spousal support · split · breakup
Victorian
Of a prim era
- EdwardianOf early twentieth-century Britain
- colonialOf occupied territories
- expatriateOne living abroad permanently
frontier · war bride · conscription · sailors · merchantmen · missionaries · chaperone · courtship · dowry · respectability
self-reliance
Depending on oneself alone
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- freedomAbsence of constraint
- empowermentGaining authority or confidence
self-sufficiency · resourceful · capable · adaptable · solo · unattached · making do · head of household · decision-maker
strength
Power to exert force
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- copingManaging under strain
fortitude · survival · patience · steadfastness · determination · carrying on · stoic · uncomplaining
gossip
Informal talk spreading rumors
- rumorUnconfirmed circulating story
- reputationCollective opinion of someone
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
respectability · suspicion · pity · judgment · social status · impropriety · tongues wagging · lonely hearts · vulnerability