hierarchical
adjective
hi·er·ar·chi·cal
ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl 
also hir-ˈär-
variants
or hierarchic
ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-kik
also hir-ˈär-
: of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy
a hierarchical society
a hierarchical order in the church
Examples of hierarchical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Experts recommend ongoing education, transparent company policies, and a clear process for reporting and managing romances, especially those involving hierarchical power differences.
—
Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Every organization must determine, based on its unique circumstances, how much to loosen its hierarchical structure.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
For companies used to more hierarchical or collectivist systems, navigating American values—like informality, individualism and employee empowerment—requires a mindset shift.
—Court Stroud, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
On the continent, specific styles were used to delineate tribes, ethnic groups, and even hierarchical social order within such groups.
—Essence, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hierarchical
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Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Every organization must determine, based on its unique circumstances, how much to loosen its hierarchical structure.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
For companies used to more hierarchical or collectivist systems, navigating American values—like informality, individualism and employee empowerment—requires a mindset shift.
—Court Stroud, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
On the continent, specific styles were used to delineate tribes, ethnic groups, and even hierarchical social order within such groups.
—Essence, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hierarchical
Cite this Entry
“Hierarchical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hierarchical. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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hierarchical
adjective
hi·er·ar·chi·cal
ˌhī-(ə-)ˈrär-ki-kəl
variants
or hierarchic
: of, relating to, or arranged in a hierarchy
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