referential

adjective

ref·​er·​en·​tial ˌre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce referential (audio)
: of, containing, or constituting a reference
especially : pointing to or involving a referent
referential language
referential meaning
referentially adverb

Examples of referential in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Both are thoroughly referential and impressively informed (a conversation with them can hop from Belgian tapestries to Cecil Beaton by way of Yes Minister in a matter of moments). Grace McCloud, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023 Tamar-kali’s score — which draws on beatboxing, body percussion, Hebrew worship music, and African American spirituals along with its operatic influences — feels busy and referential but also frequently monotonous, too full of reverence to find much lift or drive. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2023 And, as has often been the case, there’s a distinctly referential quality to Brittany’s work here. Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 8 Sep. 2023 But what about formal objects that were referential — to their own making and maybe even to the body? Kate Guadagnino, New York Times, 25 Sep. 2023 Producing eight of the mixtape’s 12 songs (two tracks are skits), D-Pat laid the foundation of the album’s referential but modern sound. Damien Scott, Billboard, 9 Nov. 2023 His ability to execute reinterpretations of traditional shapes is incredible—if, yes, occasionally referential—and this collection showcases the best of what he’s already put out in season 20. Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 8 Sep. 2023 The brand’s pride in the city’s culture has inspired its works since its origins in jewelry design years ago, and this latest presentation indicates a referential focus. Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 14 Sep. 2023 But these songs are not so much referential as reverential: meditative daybreak etudes capable of conveying the feeling that all is right in the world. Pitchfork, 28 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'referential.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of referential was in 1660

Dictionary Entries Near referential

Cite this Entry

“Referential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/referential. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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