Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

cohabitation

British  
/ kəʊˌhæbɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

  1. the state or condition of living together as husband and wife without being married

  2. (of political parties) the state or condition of cooperating for specific purposes without forming a coalition

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

To ward off disputes, some unmarried couples have started turning to cohabitation agreements, which are like the prenups married couples use.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

“To protect your assets, a cohabitation agreement in California is essential,” the law firm says.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

A unifying figure on the left, Jospin led a coalition government of Socialists, Greens and Communists in a cohabitation arrangement with centre-right President Jacques Chirac.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Others are opting for cohabitation or staying single.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025

Barely two days into our cohabitation, Camel’s tremors are so bad he can’t even speak.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "cohabitation" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com