1
a
: of, relating to, or consisting of words
verbal instructions
b
: of, relating to, or involving words rather than meaning or substance
a consistency that is merely verbal and scholastic—
B. N. Cardozo
B. N. Cardozo
c
: consisting of or using words only and not involving action
verbal abuse
2
: of, relating to, or formed from a verb
a verbal adjective
3
: spoken rather than written
a verbal contract
4
: verbatim, word-for-word
a verbal translation
5
: of or relating to facility in the use and comprehension of words
verbal aptitude
: a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective compare gerund, infinitive, participle
Synonyms
Examples of verbal in a Sentence
Adjective
He scored well on the verbal section of the test.
They had a verbal exchange.
a verbal agreement to finish the work
We gave only verbal instructions.
Recent Examples on the Web
Cindy Shmerler, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
This could be as simple as verbal recognition in team meetings or as formal as an award for fostering a respectful workplace.
—Sandy Harvey, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
This can be through verbal insults, physical acts like slapping and spitting, or openly degrading someone by telling them to perform humiliating tasks (say, drinking a random glass of milk in front of your work colleagues).
—Fran Tirado, Them, 10 Jan. 2025
However, the deficient verbal abilities with the current first year students are more alarming and may not be cured with maturity.
—Bill Bergman, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for verbal 
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Adjective
More on the Australian Open There was no shortage of verbal volleying between Connors and Newcombe, both members of the ATP’s recently formed No. 1 Club that includes 29 players who have achieved the top ranking.
—Cindy Shmerler, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
This could be as simple as verbal recognition in team meetings or as formal as an award for fostering a respectful workplace.
—Sandy Harvey, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
This can be through verbal insults, physical acts like slapping and spitting, or openly degrading someone by telling them to perform humiliating tasks (say, drinking a random glass of milk in front of your work colleagues).
—Fran Tirado, Them, 10 Jan. 2025
However, the deficient verbal abilities with the current first year students are more alarming and may not be cured with maturity.
—Bill Bergman, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for verbal
Dictionary Entries Near verbal
Cite this Entry
“Verbal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbal. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
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verbal
2 of 2 noun
: a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective
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