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surviving spouse

n. 1 (context legal English) A spouse that outlives the person to whom they are married, thereby obtaining legal rights with respect to the property of the deceased spouse. 2 (context taxation US English) An unmarried taxpayer whose spouse has been deceased for less than two taxable years, and who provides a home for one or more dependents of the deceased.

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Surviving spouse

Usage examples of "surviving spouse".

It's like people who read the obituaries and call the surviving spouse for a date immediately after the funeral.

You'd be surprised how many spouses don't give a rat's ass if the murderer of their departed honey-bun is found, notwithstanding the surviving spouse's hidden desire to personally thank the culprit.

Minerva Shelton Hastings claims under a will, and Adelle Sterling Hastings, the defendant in this case, claims as the surviving spouse.