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.
Financial guardrails being removed These are tidal shifts in societal behavior lapping around the edges of the capital markets. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 July 2025 When Scaling Slow and Deep Is Essential Scaling slow and deep becomes essential under two critical conditions: when businesses operate in contexts with significant local variation, or when their products create compounding societal effects. Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 Brands and employers can play a role at the societal level too! Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2025 There is increasing societal expectation that those in positions of power should act with transparency, integrity and professionalism. Chicago Tribune, 22 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Societal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/societal. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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