consensual
adjective
con·sen·su·al
kən-ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl 
-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
Your primary job is to make sure that the play stays safe and consensual.
—
Virginia Sole-Smith, Parents, 28 May 2024
The first scenario—a doubtful one—is the emergence of a Mexico that prizes debate based on fact, maintains civilian rule, solves problems through legislation, embraces pluralism instead of polarization, confronts historic inequalities, and does all this within a framework of consensual rules.
—Denise Dresser, Foreign Affairs, 17 May 2024
But if pranks were more like this (consensual, mostly pleasant, nice melody, good rhyme scheme), the world would be a better place.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 19 Apr. 2024
The safety concerns centered largely on ensuring that relationships between therapists and patients, who may be more vulnerable under the influence of MDMA, remain consensual.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for consensual 
Virginia Sole-Smith, Parents, 28 May 2024
The first scenario—a doubtful one—is the emergence of a Mexico that prizes debate based on fact, maintains civilian rule, solves problems through legislation, embraces pluralism instead of polarization, confronts historic inequalities, and does all this within a framework of consensual rules.
—Denise Dresser, Foreign Affairs, 17 May 2024
But if pranks were more like this (consensual, mostly pleasant, nice melody, good rhyme scheme), the world would be a better place.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 19 Apr. 2024
The safety concerns centered largely on ensuring that relationships between therapists and patients, who may be more vulnerable under the influence of MDMA, remain consensual.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for consensual
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consensual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near consensual
Cite this Entry
“Consensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consensual. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
consensual
adjective
con·sen·su·al
kən-ˈsench-(ə-)wəl
-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
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
Legal Definition
consensual
adjective
con·sen·su·al
kən-ˈsen-chə-wəl
1
: existing or made by mutual consent without any further act (as a writing)
2
: involving or based on mutual consent
consensual sexual intercourse
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