Definition of verbalnext
1
as in linguistic
of or relating to words or language the child didn't yet have the verbal skills needed to tell the doctor about the pain he was experiencing

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2
as in oral
made or carried on through speaking rather than in writing a verbal agreement carries less force than a written contract

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of verbal Paraguay won behind a second-minute goal from Matias Galarza and overcame a man-down deficit after halftime, the result of Miguel Almirón’s verbal-abuse ejection for covering his mouth. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 In 2017, Slatinsky suffered a major stroke that left her with aphasia, which affects verbal communication. Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 Lalas’ apparent delight in courting the enmity of the American viewing public also extends to his co-hosts—so much so that his early verbal scuffles with Zlatan Ibrahimović have gone more viral than whooping cough. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 June 2026 On playgrounds, verbal instead of physical warnings are often sufficient, so continuity is more critical. David C. Schwebel, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for verbal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for verbal
Adjective
  • That linguistic advantage arrives at a moment when Spanish audiovisual production has already proven its global pull.
    Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 June 2026
  • For the last couple of years, the test has been provided in six languages, allowing vital linguistic access to our more than 70,000 students learning English as a second language.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • His son developed Bell's palsy, a sudden paralysis on one side of the face, but recovered quickly after a course of oral antibiotics.
    Bram Sable-Smith, NPR, 27 June 2026
  • The oral warning did not come with any formal discipline or fines for the players and was not meant to single out the content of the message, according to MLB.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Experts warn Warsh's less communicative approach risks increasing market volatility and borrowing costs, potentially forfeiting accountability gains.
    Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Even though the pilot doesn’t have all the information passengers might want to hear in that moment, Kennedy said, many would feel relief that the person in charge is transparent, communicative, and cognizant of their feelings and concerns.
    Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • But Trump so far, it’s mostly been rhetorical.
    NBC news, NBC news, 28 June 2026
  • Beginning in her early teens, Joyce loved watching Kirk’s debates on Instagram, seeing in them not carefully honed rhetorical tactics but authentic civility.
    Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Verbal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/verbal. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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