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
Al Kingsley, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Trump’s closing message was also eclipsed by his verbal attacks on former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, one of the Republican officials who has become a key campaign surrogate for Harris.
—Rebecca Picciotto, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024
To help your baby develop verbal skills, talk to them frequently.
—Alex Vance, Parents, 30 Oct. 2024
The track also features a verbal takedown of former president Donald Trump, with a message aimed at him and his supporters.
—Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for verbal 
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Adjective
So, whether written or verbal, the ability to tailor explanations for your audience gives you a great advantage.
—Al Kingsley, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Trump’s closing message was also eclipsed by his verbal attacks on former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, one of the Republican officials who has become a key campaign surrogate for Harris.
—Rebecca Picciotto, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024
To help your baby develop verbal skills, talk to them frequently.
—Alex Vance, Parents, 30 Oct. 2024
The track also features a verbal takedown of former president Donald Trump, with a message aimed at him and his supporters.
—Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 29 Oct. 2024
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 16 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
verbal
2 of 2 noun
: a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective
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