dy·nam·ic
dī-ˈna-mik 
1
a
: marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change
a dynamic city
2
or less commonly dynamical
a
: of or relating to physical force or energy
The dynamic properties of polymers and composites are directly relevant to the use of these materials for controlling vibrations in structures such as machinery …—
Bryan Eric Read and Gregory Donald Dean
Bryan Eric Read and Gregory Donald Dean
b
: of or relating to dynamics (see dynamics entry 1)
… classical Hamiltonian mechanics is presented, in which each particle is described by the eight dynamic variables of position, time, momentum, and energy.—Philip M. Pearle
Philip M. Pearle3
of random-access memory
: requiring periodic refreshment of charge in order to retain data
plural dynamics
1
a
: a force or factor that controls or influences a process of growth, change, interaction, or activity : a dynamic force or factor
the supply and demand dynamic in the real estate market
a key dynamic in the population's decline
… describes a world order that seems to be evolving from ideology as the principal dynamic …—Woody West
see also dynamics entry 1
Woody West
b
: a pattern or process resulting from such control or influence : dynamics sense 2
the factors behind the current market dynamic
2
: a particular way that two or more people interact with one another determined by context, social roles, etc.
family dynamics
the dynamic between a doctor and a patient
The team has a good dynamic.
the group's gender/power dynamics [=the way gender/power differences affect the group's interactions]
Examples of dynamic in a Sentence
Adjective
… tournament blackjack is more dynamic, and more complex, than simply playing against the house.
—Michael Kaplan, Cigar Aficionado, December 2002
Indeed, one of the most dynamic influences on family life and society in the last century was the extension of concepts to individual worth and human rights.
—Perdita Huston, Ms., December 2001/January 2002
The new dynamic duo have little in common but a bright orange ball.
—Stephen Rodrick, ESPN, 3 Apr. 2000
an exciting and dynamic performance
the dynamic theory of heat
Noun
… the high-tech world is, at heart, a cruel, unforgiving place ruled by the merciless dynamics of the marketplace.
—Michiko Kakutani, New York Times, 27 June 2002
… my memory of specific events is sketchy, but the general emotional flavor is engraved on my mind as a classic example of my family's bent dynamic.
—Florence King, National Review, 15 Oct. 2001
… the Cambrian Explosion, created the evolutionary dynamic that produced most of the species that subsequently populated the earth, from insects and fish to dinosaurs and humans.
—J. Madeleine Nash, Time, 20 Aug. 2001
Raisons d'état, not the dynamics of capitalism, created the American thrust for world influence.
—Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., The Cycles of American History, 1986
the dynamic between a doctor and a patient
Group dynamics are important to consider.
The dynamics of this class are different from those of other classes.
Disease was a central dynamic in the decrease in population.
a study on famine and population dynamics
Michael Kaplan, Cigar Aficionado, December 2002
Indeed, one of the most dynamic influences on family life and society in the last century was the extension of concepts to individual worth and human rights.
—Perdita Huston, Ms., December 2001/January 2002
The new dynamic duo have little in common but a bright orange ball.
—Stephen Rodrick, ESPN, 3 Apr. 2000
an exciting and dynamic performance
the dynamic theory of heat
Noun
… the high-tech world is, at heart, a cruel, unforgiving place ruled by the merciless dynamics of the marketplace.
—Michiko Kakutani, New York Times, 27 June 2002
… my memory of specific events is sketchy, but the general emotional flavor is engraved on my mind as a classic example of my family's bent dynamic.
—Florence King, National Review, 15 Oct. 2001
… the Cambrian Explosion, created the evolutionary dynamic that produced most of the species that subsequently populated the earth, from insects and fish to dinosaurs and humans.
—J. Madeleine Nash, Time, 20 Aug. 2001
Raisons d'état, not the dynamics of capitalism, created the American thrust for world influence.
—Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., The Cycles of American History, 1986
the dynamic between a doctor and a patient
Group dynamics are important to consider.
The dynamics of this class are different from those of other classes.
Disease was a central dynamic in the decrease in population.
a study on famine and population dynamics
Recent Examples on the Web
Kenneth L. Marcus, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
The first tranche of cast also featured Daniel Brühl, Charlie Hunnam and Devrim Lingnau Islamoğlu (The Empress) as Doris Quinz, a young and dynamic East German woman who delivers vital intelligence from the heart of the East German operation.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2026
Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus buyer is typically an affluent, tech forward, and comfort focused individual, often in the 40 to 60 year old range, prioritizing a serene, quiet luxury driving experience, over high performance sporty dynamics.
—Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dynamic
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.
Adjective
Jewish equality has never been a finished achievement but a dynamic settlement renegotiated across generations.
—Kenneth L. Marcus, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
The first tranche of cast also featured Daniel Brühl, Charlie Hunnam and Devrim Lingnau Islamoğlu (The Empress) as Doris Quinz, a young and dynamic East German woman who delivers vital intelligence from the heart of the East German operation.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
And David really saw something in the dynamic between Shyanne and Margo.
—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus buyer is typically an affluent, tech forward, and comfort focused individual, often in the 40 to 60 year old range, prioritizing a serene, quiet luxury driving experience, over high performance sporty dynamics.
—Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dynamic
Cite this Entry
“Dynamic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dynamic. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dynamic
adjective
dy·nam·ic
dī-ˈnam-ik
1
2
: functional sense 1b
a dynamic disease
3
a
: marked by continuous usually productive activity or change
a dynamic population
b
: marked by energy or forcefulness
a dynamic personality
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
