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testamentary

American  
[tes-tuh-men-tuh-ree, -men-tree] / ˌtɛs təˈmɛn tə ri, -ˈmɛn tri /
Sometimes testamental

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a testament or will.

  2. given, bequeathed, done, or appointed by will.

  3. set forth or contained in a will.


testamentary British  
/ ˌtɛstəˈmɛntərɪ /

adjective

  1. of or relating to a will or testament

  2. derived from, bequeathed, or appointed by a will

  3. contained or set forth in a will

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of testamentary

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Latin word testāmentārius. See testament, -ary

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.

See Examples For:

To prove undue influence, coercion and the lack of testamentary capacity, you would need doctor’s reports and a paper trail of evidence to make your case.

From MarketWatch Mar. 30, 2026

A will can generally be contested among these grounds: lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence from a family member, and improper execution.

From MarketWatch Jan. 7, 2026

Legally speaking, you can contest a will or trust due to lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence from a family member, fraud, coercion, improper execution or if there was a newer will in existence.

From MarketWatch Oct. 9, 2025

Critics of testamentary freedom say it can also be used to coerce and control.

From BBC Jul. 29, 2015

The city and town library is now beginning to share liberally in these testamentary benefactions.

From The Library and Society Reprints of Papers and Addresses by Bostwick, Arthur Elmore

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