monetary

adjective

mon·​e·​tary ˈmä-nə-ˌter-ē 

 also  ˈmə-

: of or relating to money or to the mechanisms by which it is supplied to and circulates in the economy

a crime committed for monetary gain

a government's monetary policy

monetarily

ˌmä-nə-ˈter-ə-lē 

 also  ˌmə-

adverb

Synonyms

• dollars-and-cents
• financial
• fiscal
• pecuniary
• pocket

Examples of monetary in a Sentence

a crime committed for monetary gain

Gold was once the basis of the U.S. monetary system.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the economy’s reaction to tariffs creates some uncertainty for monetary policy. —Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Last year, Japan pivoted from its ultra-loose monetary policy to raising rates, a move, that has strengthened its currency against the dollar. —Amala Balakrishner,lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 1 May 2025

And this has been a blessing and a curse as owners, seeking no monetary return, financially stretch the club to climb the pyramid. —Matt Slater, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

Modern economists attribute the Panic to the business cycle and reckless monetary expansionism. — Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin monetarius of a mint, of money, from Latin moneta

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing monetary

• monetary aggregate
• monetary unit

Rhymes for monetary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

monetary

adjective

mon·​e·​tary ˈmän-ə-ˌter-ē 

 also  ˈmən-

: of or relating to money

this administration's monetary policy