2
: of, relating to, or constituting a cause
the causal agent of a disease
3
: involving causation or a cause : marked by cause and effect
a causal link
evidence suggests that there is a strong causal relationship between an individual's experiences with his parents and his later capacity to make affectional bonds—
G. A. Miller
G. A. Miller4
: arising from a cause
a causal development
Examples of causal in a Sentence
No causal connection between the events was found.
There is a causal link between poverty and crime.
Recent Examples on the Web
Love, who said that Lustig’s claims about the uniquely causal relationship between fructose and childhood obesity remain unproven, listened to the conversation between the two scientists.
—A.w. Ohlheiser, Vox, 2 May 2024
The causal links between these characteristics and national competitive success, while generally consistent, vary across time and from country to country.
—Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022
The Aces further maintain that too much time passed between Hamby’s post and allegedly vindictive acts for there to be a causal link.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Some academics and scientists remain unconvinced of a causal link between smartphones and poor mental health, however.
—Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for causal 
A.w. Ohlheiser, Vox, 2 May 2024
The causal links between these characteristics and national competitive success, while generally consistent, vary across time and from country to country.
—Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022
The Aces further maintain that too much time passed between Hamby’s post and allegedly vindictive acts for there to be a causal link.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Some academics and scientists remain unconvinced of a causal link between smartphones and poor mental health, however.
—Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for causal
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'causal.' 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 causal
Cite this Entry
“Causal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causal. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
causal
adjective
caus·al
ˈkȯ-zəl 
: of, relating to, or being a cause
Legal Definition
causal
adjective
caus·al
ˈkȯ-zəl
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a cause
causal negligence
2
: involving causation or a cause
no causal relationship between driving without insurance and the accident—National Law Journal
National Law Journala causal link exists between the deceptive act and the injury—National Law Journal
National Law Journal3
: arising from a cause
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