referential

adjective

ref·​er·​en·​tial ˌre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce referential (audio)
: of, containing, or constituting a reference
especially : pointing to or involving a referent
referential language
referential meaning
referentially adverb

Examples of referential in a Sentence

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.
If the show were just a cleverly referential fantasy, that would probably be enough. Vulture Editors, Vulture, 23 July 2025 Redundant data was safely removed from production systems while preserving referential integrity. Gabriel Gonzalez, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 At the Soul Train Awards in 1997, Da Brat arrived outfitted in a similarly referential look, but her look evoked tomboy inclinations. Julian Randall, Essence, 3 July 2025 The song is loosely referential to her time on movie sets, watching actors play pretend both on- and offscreen. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for referential

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of referential was in 1660

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Cite this Entry

“Referential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/referential. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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