con·di·tion·al
kən-ˈdish-nəl 
-ˈdi-shə-nᵊl
1
: subject to, implying, or dependent upon a condition
a conditional promise
2
: expressing, containing, or implying a supposition
the conditional clause if he speaks
3
a
: true only for certain values of the variables or symbols involved
conditional equations
b
: stating the case when one or more random variables are fixed or one or more events are known
conditional frequency distribution
4
a
: conditioned sense 2
conditional reflex
conditional response
b
: established by conditioning as the stimulus eliciting a conditional response
1
: a conditional word, clause, verb form, or morpheme
Examples of conditional in a Sentence
Adjective
“If she speaks, you must listen” is a conditional sentence.
The sentence contains the conditional clause “if she speaks.”
Noun
The clause “if she speaks” is a conditional.
The conditional is often marked by the word “if.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Zoetis noted that conditional approvals are usually granted in emergencies or special circumstances.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 18 Feb. 2025
Katherine Fung, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Each monthly box is filled with fun activities and projects that cover a variety of coding topics ranging from variables and loops to conditionals and functions.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 5 Dec. 2023
See All Example Sentences for conditional
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Adjective
The project proposed by M/I Homes of Chicago requires rezoning, a conditional use permit and preliminary plat approval from the city before the 12-acre site at 1151 E. Warrenville Road can be transformed into into the new Northwoods residential community targeted at professionals and empty-nesters.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Zoetis noted that conditional approvals are usually granted in emergencies or special circumstances.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
An unconditional discharge is a sentence that does not impose any punishment, fine, or conditionals on a defendant after a conviction.
—Katherine Fung, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Each monthly box is filled with fun activities and projects that cover a variety of coding topics ranging from variables and loops to conditionals and functions.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 5 Dec. 2023
See All Example Sentences for conditional
Cite this Entry
“Conditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conditional. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
conditional
adjective
con·di·tion·al
kən-ˈdish-nəl, -ən-ᵊl
1
a
: conditioned
conditional reflex
conditional response
b
: eliciting a conditional response
a conditional stimulus
2
: permitting survival only under special growth or environmental conditions
conditional lethal mutations
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