inlaws
Spouse's family members
Inlaws are relatives by marriage rather than blood—your spouse's parents, siblings, and their families.
The term usually appears hyphenated or as two words: My in-laws are visiting for the holidays.
Mother-in-law, father-in-law, and similar compounds specify the relationship.
Inlaw relationships are famously fraught territory for jokes and complaints.
State of being related
- extended familyRelatives beyond parents, siblings
- relativesThose connected by blood
- householdDomestic unit of residents
- clanRelated group sharing ancestry
kinfolk · relations · family gatherings · holidays · reunions · traditions · blended family · stepfamily
Lines marking separation
- expectationsBeliefs about future outcomes
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- meddlingIntrusive interference in others' concerns
- visitsSocial calls
grandparenting · advice · opinions · criticism · acceptance · approval · disapproval · favoritism
Married partner
- weddingMarriage rite and feast
- unionJoining into one
- matrimonyLegal union of spouses
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
betrothal · vows · ceremony · nuptials · bride · groom · honeymoon · anniversary
Opposition between parties
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- awkwardnessLack of grace or ease
- strainExcessive stretching force
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
friction · hostility · animosity · misunderstanding · disagreement · disapproval · criticism · overbearing
Support spurring continued effort
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- welcomingReceiving others warmly
- helpfulnessDisposition toward aiding others
- babysittingCaring for others' children temporarily
childcare · assistance · generosity · guidance · wisdom · mentorship · hospitality · inclusion
kinship
State of being related
- extended familyRelatives beyond parents, siblings
- relativesThose connected by blood
- householdDomestic unit of residents
clan · kinfolk · relations · family gatherings · holidays · reunions · traditions · blended family · stepfamily · grandchildren
boundaries
Lines marking separation
- expectationsBeliefs about future outcomes
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- meddlingIntrusive interference in others' concerns
visits · grandparenting · advice · opinions · criticism · acceptance · approval · disapproval · favoritism · comparison
spouse
Married partner
engagement · betrothal · vows · ceremony · nuptials · bride · groom · honeymoon · anniversary · dowry
conflict
Opposition between parties
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- awkwardnessLack of grace or ease
- strainExcessive stretching force
resentment · friction · hostility · animosity · misunderstanding · disagreement · disapproval · criticism · overbearing · intrusive
encouragement
Support spurring continued effort
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- welcomingReceiving others warmly
- helpfulnessDisposition toward aiding others
babysitting · childcare · assistance · generosity · guidance · wisdom · mentorship · hospitality · inclusion · bonding
inlawsblood relatives
Family by birth
blood relations · birth family · blood kin · flesh and blood · kin
inlawsbirth family
Relatives by blood origin
family of origin · biological parents · immediate family · nuclear family · outlaws