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.
Hegseth has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and said the encounter with the woman in a Monterey, California, hotel was consensual. Cristina Corujo, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2025 Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Tara Copp, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025 Cook admitted to having consensual relationships in a statement to the Star. Hayleigh Colombo, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Jan. 2025 Advertisement Gaiman, through his representatives, told the magazine that the encounters were all consensual. Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025 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 27 Jan. 2025.

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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