societal

adjective

so·​ci·​e·​tal sə-ˈsī-ə-tᵊl How to pronounce societal (audio)
: of or relating to society : social
societal forces
societally adverb

Examples of societal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Institutions should conduct systematic curriculum reviews that combine teaching technical AI skills with cultivating critical thinking about AI’s societal and ethical implications across disciplines, as is present at Arizona State University. Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 Lavender marriages represent an interesting nexus of love, relationships, legality, and societal pressures. Mikelle Street, Them., 14 May 2025 But the author is also interested in subverting societal expectations in her fiction. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 13 May 2025 Ask Them to Tell You Their Stories This lack of acknowledgment underscores a broader societal discomfort with sustained mourning. Rebecca Soffer, Time, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for societal

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of societal was in 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Societal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/societal. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

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