therapeutic
adjective
ther·a·peu·tic
ˌther-ə-ˈpyü-tik 
1
: of or relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods : curative, medicinal
therapeutic diets
They confirmed the therapeutic effect of supplemental light in treating winter depression with phototherapy.—
Richard Wurtman and Judith Wurtman
Richard Wurtman and Judith WurtmanA just-right amount is the therapeutic dose, just enough to provide the intended effect without problems.—Paul G. Donohue
Paul G. Donohue2
: having a beneficial effect on the body or mind
Warm lotion manicures … are a luxurious, therapeutic treat …—Elle
Elle… they painted, hoed, swept, and planted when the mood for therapeutic work struck them, and lolled on the beach when they felt like it.—David Guterson
David Guterson3
: producing a useful or favorable result or effect
In classical economics, before the illusion of fine-tuning became widespread, recessions were regarded as therapeutic.—Geoffrey Smith and Jane Sasseen
Geoffrey Smith and Jane Sasseen
therapeutic
noun
Examples of therapeutic in a Sentence
the therapeutic benefits of yoga
Gardening can be very therapeutic.
the therapeutic effects of radiation
Recent Examples on the Web
Occupational Therapists help patients regain independence after injuries or disabilities through therapeutic interventions.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
The event helps GiGi’s Playhouse continue its mission of providing free educational, therapeutic and career programs for community members with Down syndrome of all ages.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025
There are many ways world leaders, businesses and consumers are grappling with the growing threat of a global trade war, but perhaps the easiest — and, for some, the most therapeutic — is to rely on dark humor.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
An Ohio community remembers Fiona, a Great Pyrenees-golden retriever mix therapy dog, who completed a goal of over 1,000 therapeutic visits.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for therapeutic
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Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
The event helps GiGi’s Playhouse continue its mission of providing free educational, therapeutic and career programs for community members with Down syndrome of all ages.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025
There are many ways world leaders, businesses and consumers are grappling with the growing threat of a global trade war, but perhaps the easiest — and, for some, the most therapeutic — is to rely on dark humor.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
An Ohio community remembers Fiona, a Great Pyrenees-golden retriever mix therapy dog, who completed a goal of over 1,000 therapeutic visits.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for therapeutic
Cite this Entry
“Therapeutic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/therapeutic. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
therapeutic
adjective
ther·a·peu·tic
ˌther-ə-ˈpyüt-ik
Medical Definition
therapeutic
adjective
ther·a·peu·tic
-ˈpyüt-ik
1
: of, relating to, or used in the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods : curative, medicinal
… the dose was increased to 8 mg per day, which is the higher end of the therapeutic dosage range.—Hasan B. Alam et al., The New England Journal of Medicine
Hasan B. Alam et al., The New England Journal of MedicineConscious sedation is used increasingly in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, ranging from gastrointestinal endoscopy to minor surgery in patients who are relaxed, but responsive.—The Journal of the American Medical Association
The Journal of the American Medical AssociationThey confirmed the therapeutic effect of supplemental light in treating winter depression with phototherapy.—Richard Wurtman and Judith Wurtman, Scientific American
Richard Wurtman and Judith Wurtman, Scientific American2
: having a beneficial effect on the body or mind
California psychotherapist Annette Goodheart believes not only that laughter can be therapeutic but also that therapy needs to include laughter.—Jeff Wagenheim, New Age Journal
Jeff Wagenheim, New Age Journal
therapeutically
adverb
a therapeutically effective regimen
therapeutically equivalent drugs
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