referential

adjective

ref·​er·​en·​tial ˌre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 

: of, containing, or constituting a reference

especially : pointing to or involving a referent

referential language

referential meaning

referentiality

ˌre-fə-ˌren(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē 

noun

referentially

ˌre-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of referential in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This look also continues a growing motif in the rapper’s fashion trajectory: collectible, referential shoes that fuse fashion history with pop culture flair. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 22 June 2025

Myriad self referential symbols swim around the monumental painting, soaring more than five feet high and over feet wide. —Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

The collection is both wearable and referential, functioning like a sartorial postcard. —Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 14 May 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for referential

• consequential
• deferential
• evidential
• existential
• exponential
• influential
• nonessential
• penitential
• precedential
• preferential
• presidential
• providential