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.
Associated Press The defense maintains that these relationships were consensual, portraying Combs as a flawed but not criminal individual. Jenna Sundel gabe Whisnant joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 One of the encounters was consensual while the other was nonconsensual and occurred when the alleged victim was unconscious, the Hays Post reported, citing a complaint filed in Reno County District Court. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025 Along with various civil suits that have seen Weinstein pay out millions, juries have also disagreed the relationship the producer had with many women were anything but consensual. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 11 June 2025 The defendants have said that any encounter with her, if one occurred, was consensual. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consensual. Accessed 20 Jun. 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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