monetary

adjective

mon·​e·​tary ˈmä-nə-ˌter-ē 

 also  ˈmə-

: of or relating to money or to the mechanisms by which it is supplied to and circulates in the economy

a crime committed for monetary gain

a government's monetary policy

monetarily

ˌmä-nə-ˈter-ə-lē 

 also  ˌmə-

adverb

Synonyms

• financial
• fiscal
• economic

Examples of monetary in a Sentence

a crime committed for monetary gain

Gold was once the basis of the U.S. monetary system.

Recent Examples on the Web

Whereas someone might see the monetary or sentimental value of a woman’s dress or handbag, dungarees and leather belts are often treated with less regard. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025

More than monetary value, the word implies an ease in every facet of life, from the ability to pursue one’s own passions to a harmony with the environment, both physical and communal. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025

Authorities face pressure to recover the jewels before they are altered or destroyed, a fate experts warn could significantly diminish their historical and monetary value. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

The last time Fed officials set monetary policy without key economic data was during the 2018-2019 shutdown. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin monetarius of a mint, of money, from Latin moneta

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing monetary

• monetary aggregate
• monetary unit

Rhymes for monetary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

monetary

adjective

mon·​e·​tary ˈmän-ə-ˌter-ē 

 also  ˈmən-

: of or relating to money

this administration's monetary policy