relational

adjective

re·​la·​tion·​al ri-ˈlā-shnəl How to pronounce relational (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
1
: of or relating to kinship
2
: characterized or constituted by relations
3
: having the function chiefly of indicating a relation of syntax
has is notional in he has luck, relational in he has gone
4
: relating to, using, or being a method of organizing data in a database so that it is perceived by the user as a set of tables
relationally adverb

Examples of relational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Researchers examined 82 real-life conversations between close relational partners (friends, family or romantic partners) to study this. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 Therapy — individual or relational — can offer a safer space to unpack the conversations that feel too complex to navigate alone. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 After divorcing his ex-husband several years ago, the eddies of his relational whirlwinds have slowed, and the currents of his music career have gathered pace. Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 20 June 2025 Factors of social-emotional development included a child’s ability to form positive relationships with peers, act in ways that benefit others, have healthy relational attachment, self-soothe and have a healthy temperament. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for relational

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of relational was in 1662

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Cite this Entry

“Relational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relational. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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