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

Retzlaff denied the allegations and said that the encounter was consensual. —Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 11 July 2025

McLemore pleaded not guilty to all charges, claiming the encounter was consensual. —Jason Anderson july 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025

This case is about voluntary adult choices made by capable adults and consensual relationships. —Tracy Wright , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025

Under Phoenix police's policy, officers are prohibited from asking someone about their immigration status during consensual contacts. —Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 3 July 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