the conditional
noun
grammar
: the mood or form that is used to say that something is true or happens only if something else is true or happens
The conditional is often marked by the word "if."
Examples of the conditional in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The order used imperative language but implied the conditional tense, casting readers—the country at large—to live in the blank space of the could.
—
Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
There are a few options available, and the Trump administration has given the conditional green light to one made by Zoetis.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2025
According to area news outlet NBC-CT, Smith — who resides at the Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown — was granted the conditional release after a review hearing regarding his case by the Connecticut Psychiatric Security Review Board on Friday, Feb. 22.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025
Without the conditional raise, state employees covered by the contract will receive a 3% raise in July — on par with salary increases in 2023 and 2024.
—William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 13 Feb. 2025
In the end, the County Board approved the conditional use permit on a 3-1 vote, with Johnson opposing and Commissioner Beth Oberg absent.
—Brent Schacherer, Twin Cities, 24 Jan. 2024
The funds for the conditional loan to Rivian come from the Energy Department’s Loan Program Office, which lends money to support the development of new technologies.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 26 Nov. 2024
Due to the conditional pass and receipt of yellow placard, a reinspection was or will be conducted within 24 to 72 hours of the inspection.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025
But Energy Department officials said that the conditional commitments are legally binding, provided that the borrowers can meet certain benchmarks, and can’t easily be canceled.
—Brad Plumer, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
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Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
There are a few options available, and the Trump administration has given the conditional green light to one made by Zoetis.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2025
According to area news outlet NBC-CT, Smith — who resides at the Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown — was granted the conditional release after a review hearing regarding his case by the Connecticut Psychiatric Security Review Board on Friday, Feb. 22.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025
Without the conditional raise, state employees covered by the contract will receive a 3% raise in July — on par with salary increases in 2023 and 2024.
—William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 13 Feb. 2025
In the end, the County Board approved the conditional use permit on a 3-1 vote, with Johnson opposing and Commissioner Beth Oberg absent.
—Brent Schacherer, Twin Cities, 24 Jan. 2024
The funds for the conditional loan to Rivian come from the Energy Department’s Loan Program Office, which lends money to support the development of new technologies.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 26 Nov. 2024
Due to the conditional pass and receipt of yellow placard, a reinspection was or will be conducted within 24 to 72 hours of the inspection.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025
But Energy Department officials said that the conditional commitments are legally binding, provided that the borrowers can meet certain benchmarks, and can’t easily be canceled.
—Brad Plumer, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“The conditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20conditional. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
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