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
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
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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 27 Jan. 2025.
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
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