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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chasing Horse's attorney argued for dismissal of the charges, contending that the former actor maintained the encounters were consensual. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 But ultimately no criminal charges were brought against Hammer, who has denied the allegations and maintained that all relationships were consensual. Alex Ritman, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024 Last month, the railroad ousted then-CEO Alan Shaw for violating its policies by having a consensual relationship with the company’s chief legal officer, Nabanita Nag. Beth Kowitt, The Mercury News, 9 Oct. 2024 When his co-worker Ji-woo (Seohyun) discovers his secret, the two enter a consensual dom/sub relationship, only to (naturally) fall in love along the way. Megan Vick, EW.com, 28 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consensual 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of consensual was in 1689

Dictionary Entries Near consensual

Cite this Entry

“Consensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consensual. Accessed 22 Nov. 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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