consensual
adjective
con·sen·su·al
kən-ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl
-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
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
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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
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
-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
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
Legal Definition
consensual
adjective
con·sen·su·al
kən-ˈsen-chə-wəl
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
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for consensual
Britannica English: Translation of consensual for Arabic Speakers
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