emotional

adjective

emo·​tion·​al i-ˈmō-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of or relating to emotion

an emotional disorder

2

: dominated by or prone to emotion

an emotional person

3

: appealing to or arousing emotion

an emotional sermon

4

: markedly aroused or agitated in feeling or sensibilities

gets emotional at weddings

emotionally

i-ˈmō-sh(ə-)nə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of emotional

• passionate
• passional
• warm
• intense
• religious
• fervent
• demonstrative

Examples of emotional in a Sentence

He's a very emotional person.

worship at revival meetings often takes a markedly emotional form

Recent Examples on the Web

The plaintiff seeks damages for privacy invasion, emotional distress, reputational harm and alleged placement on government watch lists. —Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, who represents the state’s 42nd Assembly District, said the anniversary moment was both emotional and affirming. —Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026

The device features an 8-inch curved OLED display that renders a holographic 3D companion designed to simulate emotional intimacy. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026

Holistic support is layered alongside clinical care, with the intention of addressing both emotional safety and physiological regulation. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing emotional

• emotional blackmail
• emotional intelligence
• emotional quotient
• hyper-emotional

Rhymes for emotional

• devotional
• promotional
• motional
• notional
• unemotional

Kids Definition

emotional

adjective

emo·​tion·​al i-ˈmō-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

1

: of or relating to the emotions

an emotional upset

2

: likely to show or express emotion : easily moved

an emotional person

3

: causing one to feel emotion

an emotional speech

emotionally

-ē 

adverb