2
: of, relating to, or constituting a cause
the causal agent of a disease
3
: involving causation or a cause : marked by cause and effect
a causal link
evidence suggests that there is a strong causal relationship between an individual's experiences with his parents and his later capacity to make affectional bonds—
G. A. Miller
G. A. Miller4
: arising from a cause
a causal development
Examples of causal in a Sentence
No causal connection between the events was found.
There is a causal link between poverty and crime.
Recent Examples on the Web
Potentially causal associations between placental DNA methylation and schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders
As the marketing coordinator at Discover Magazine, Stephanie Edwards interacts with readers across Discover's social media channels and writes digital content.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
Darden’s LongHorn Steakhouse, which competes on the causal side with Texas Roadhouse, reported quarterly same-store sales growth of 2.6% versus the 5% gain expected.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025
The researchers point out that as in many meta-analyses, while the link between these foods and tinnitus risk has been found, it can not be assumed that there is a causal relationship.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 19 Mar. 2025
But heat is not necessarily the only factor that may be leading to negative health outcomes—and the study only establishes a link between extreme heat and biological age, not a causal relationship.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for causal
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Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
Darden’s LongHorn Steakhouse, which competes on the causal side with Texas Roadhouse, reported quarterly same-store sales growth of 2.6% versus the 5% gain expected.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025
The researchers point out that as in many meta-analyses, while the link between these foods and tinnitus risk has been found, it can not be assumed that there is a causal relationship.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 19 Mar. 2025
But heat is not necessarily the only factor that may be leading to negative health outcomes—and the study only establishes a link between extreme heat and biological age, not a causal relationship.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for causal
Cite this Entry
“Causal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
causal
adjective
caus·al
ˈkȯ-zəl 
: of, relating to, or being a cause
Legal Definition
causal
adjective
caus·al
ˈkȯ-zəl
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a cause
causal negligence
2
: involving causation or a cause
no causal relationship between driving without insurance and the accident—National Law Journal
National Law Journala causal link exists between the deceptive act and the injury—National Law Journal
National Law Journal3
: arising from a cause
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