consensual

adjective

con·​sen·​su·​al kən-ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl How to pronounce consensual (audio)
-shəl,
-shü-əl
1
: existing or made by mutual consent without an act of writing
a consensual contract
2
: involving or based on mutual consent
consensual acts
consensually adverb

Examples of consensual in a Sentence

She claims their relationship was consensual.
Recent Examples on the Web Carter has continued to characterize his encounter with Schuman as consensual. Rachel Brodsky, TIME, 27 May 2024 Garland noted that the document Trump was referring to is a standard policy limiting the use of force that was even used in the consensual search of President Joe Biden's home as part of an investigation into the Democrat's handling of classified documents. CBS News, 24 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for consensual 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consensual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin consensuālis, from Latin consensu-, stem of consensus "agreement, consensus" + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

1754, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of consensual was in 1754

Dictionary Entries Near consensual

Cite this Entry

“Consensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consensual. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

consensual

adjective
con·​sen·​su·​al kən-ˈsench-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce consensual (audio)
-ˈsen-shəl
: involving, made by, or based on shared agreement
a consensual contract

Medical Definition

consensual

adjective
con·​sen·​su·​al kən-ˈsench-(ə-)wəl, -ˈsen-chəl How to pronounce consensual (audio)
1
: existing or made by mutual consent
consensual sexual behavior
2
: relating to or being the constrictive pupillary response of an eye that is covered when the other eye is exposed to light
consensually adverb

Legal Definition

consensual

adjective
con·​sen·​su·​al kən-ˈsen-chə-wəl How to pronounce consensual (audio)
1
: existing or made by mutual consent without any further act (as a writing)
2
: involving or based on mutual consent
consensual sexual intercourse

More from Merriam-Webster on consensual

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