consensual

adjective

con·​sen·​su·​al kən-ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl How to pronounce consensual (audio)
-shəl,
-shü-əl
1
: existing or made by mutual consent without an act of writing
a consensual contract
2
: involving or based on mutual consent
consensual acts
consensually adverb

Examples of consensual in a Sentence

She claims their relationship was consensual.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hegseth said the allegations are false and that the encounter was consensual. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024 Hegseth has vigorously denied any wrongdoing and says the encounter in 2017 was consensual. Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2024 Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and has denied any wrongdoing. BACKGROUND CHECKS OK'D Trump's transition team on Tuesday signed an agreement to allow the Justice Department to conduct background checks on his nominees and appointees after a weeks-long delay. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 4 Dec. 2024 Hegseth and his attorneys have denied the allegations and maintained that the encounter was consensual. Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consensual 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin consensuālis, from Latin consensu-, stem of consensus "agreement, consensus" + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of consensual was in 1689

Dictionary Entries Near consensual

Cite this Entry

“Consensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consensual. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

consensual

adjective
con·​sen·​su·​al kən-ˈsench-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce consensual (audio)
-ˈsen-shəl
: involving, made by, or based on shared agreement
a consensual contract

Medical Definition

consensual

adjective
con·​sen·​su·​al kən-ˈsench-(ə-)wəl, -ˈsen-chəl How to pronounce consensual (audio)
1
: existing or made by mutual consent
consensual sexual behavior
2
: relating to or being the constrictive pupillary response of an eye that is covered when the other eye is exposed to light
consensually adverb

Legal Definition

consensual

adjective
con·​sen·​su·​al kən-ˈsen-chə-wəl How to pronounce consensual (audio)
1
: existing or made by mutual consent without any further act (as a writing)
2
: involving or based on mutual consent
consensual sexual intercourse

More from Merriam-Webster on consensual

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