referential

adjective

ref·​er·​en·​tial ˌre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce referential (audio)
: of, containing, or constituting a reference
especially : pointing to or involving a referent
referential language
referential meaning
referentially adverb

Examples of referential in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Of course, referential mashups can be great fun, especially when, as is clearly intended here, no one takes the proceedings too seriously. Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025 Image Although written in a truncated, deeply referential manner that suggests their only reader was to be herself, Didion’s notes reveal the steps in her writing process. Lauren Christensen, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 The film is so visually dense, so rapidly wordy, so referential to its own form, that often, details fly by in a blur. Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2025 The 2025 Academy Awards were brimming with referential looks, and Palmer’s post-Oscars look was no exception. Bailey Richards, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for referential

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of referential was in 1660

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Cite this Entry

“Referential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/referential. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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