consensual
adjective
con·sen·su·al
kən-ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl
-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
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
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.
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
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
-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
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
Legal Definition
consensual
adjective
con·sen·su·al
kən-ˈsen-chə-wəl
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
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for consensual
Britannica English: Translation of consensual for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share