societal

adjective

so·​ci·​e·​tal sə-ˈsī-ə-tᵊl How to pronounce societal (audio)
: of or relating to society : social
societal forces
societally adverb

Examples of societal 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.
Companies have embraced purpose beyond profit, hoping to address societal and environmental challenges while building deeper connections with stakeholders. Christopher P. Blocker, joseph P. Cannon, jonathan Z. Zhang, Harvard Business Review, 6 Feb. 2025 By utilizing a design approach that incorporates societal and cultural themes, McNeil’s projects are a beautiful medley of soulful modern interiors. Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2025 At its core, the threat of 764-style harm groups suggests a bigger societal problem, according to Professor and the Director of the Center for Cyber Crime studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice Marie-Helen Maras. Andrea Marks, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025 Public health encompasses any and all actions at the societal and governmental level to ensure community health and safety. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for societal 

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of societal was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near societal

Cite this Entry

“Societal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/societal. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on societal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!