causal

adjective

caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl 

1

: expressing or indicating cause : causative

a causal clause introduced by since

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

4

: arising from a cause

a causal development

causally

ˈkȯ-zə-lē 

adverb

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

Despite observations of a trend toward slower-moving storms in the Atlantic and other ocean basins in recent years, the causal connection is not as well established, Kossin said. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025

Research on the relationship between acetaminophen and Autism Spectrum Disorder has varied, but many physicians say evidence does not support a causal relationship. —Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2025

The two form a bond across time — until Seo-yeon starts to realize the dark, causal implications of their seemingly friendly phone calls. —Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025

The bulk of scientific evidence suggests moderate Tylenol use is safe in pregnancy, and many autism researchers say data does not support a causal link to autism. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin causālis, from Latin causa cause entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for causal

• clausal
• nozzle
• tahsil
• menopausal
• postmenopausal
• premenopausal

Kids 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

a causal link exists between the deceptive act and the injury

—National Law Journal

3

: arising from a cause