consensual

adjective

con·​sen·​su·​al kən-ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl 

-shəl,

-shü-əl

1

: existing or made by mutual consent without an act of writing

a consensual contract

2

: involving or based on mutual consent

consensual acts

consensually adverb

Examples of consensual in a Sentence

She claims their relationship was consensual.

Recent Examples on the Web

This case is about voluntary adult choices made by capable adults and consensual relationships. —Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025

Combs has maintained that all encounters were consensual. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 23 June 2025

Bunney’s attorney, Marsh Halberg, said Wednesday the charge stemmed from a consensual relationship with the 16-year-old within 120 days of his May 18 firing from the school. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 4 June 2025

Associated Press The defense maintains that these relationships were consensual, portraying Combs as a flawed but not criminal individual. —Jenna Sundel gabe Whisnant joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin consensuālis, from Latin consensu-, stem of consensus "agreement, consensus" + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

consensual

adjective

con·​sen·​su·​al kən-ˈsench-(ə-)wəl 

-ˈsen-shəl

: involving, made by, or based on shared agreement

a consensual contract

Medical Definition

consensual

adjective

con·​sen·​su·​al kən-ˈsench-(ə-)wəl, -ˈsen-chəl 

1

: existing or made by mutual consent

consensual sexual behavior

2

: relating to or being the constrictive pupillary response of an eye that is covered when the other eye is exposed to light

consensually

-ē 

adverb

Legal Definition

consensual

adjective

con·​sen·​su·​al kən-ˈsen-chə-wəl 

1

: existing or made by mutual consent without any further act (as a writing)

2

: involving or based on mutual consent

consensual sexual intercourse