causal

adjective

caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl How to pronounce causal (audio)
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 bondsG. A. Miller
4
: arising from a cause
a causal development
causally 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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for causal

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of causal was circa 1530

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Causal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causal. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

causal

adjective
caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl How to pronounce causal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a cause

Legal Definition

causal

adjective
caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl How to pronounce causal (audio)
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 accidentNational Law Journal
a causal link exists between the deceptive act and the injuryNational Law Journal
3
: arising from a cause

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