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.
In her interview with investigators, the woman at times referred to the meetings with Jones as consensual because everything that happened was part of a healing process that Jones said was from God. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 21 May 2025 Having declared that Combs was a heavy drug user and a resorted to domestic violence in their opening statement on May 12, the defense tend to treat the damning footage as an example of a consensual entanglement, noting that Combs did eventually let Ventura leave the Intercontinental hotel. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 May 2025 During cross-examination, Combs' attorney Xavier Donaldson tried to paint the encounter between Phillip and Ventura as consensual. Elizabeth Rosner, People.com, 13 May 2025 In cross-examination, Combs’ lawyers attempted to portray Phillip’s encounters with Combs and Ventura as consensual on behalf of all parties. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 13 May 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 8 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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