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.
The truth is that societal timelines are often more about commerce than care. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 In a time when patriarchal family and societal structures allowed men like Gwan-sik and Sang-gil power over their wives and daughters, Gwan-sik chose to love Ae-sun rather than to control her. Kayti Burt, Time, 28 Mar. 2025 But the real drive to lose weight is the societal stigma around this organ. Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2025 Users must be certain that the agents are always ameliorating human and societal values, as opposed to detracting from them. Una Verhoeven, Forbes, 25 Mar. 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 2 Apr. 2025.

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