monetary

adjective

mon·​e·​tary ˈmä-nə-ˌter-ē 

also ˈmə-

: of or relating to money or to the mechanisms by which it is supplied to and circulates in the economy

a crime committed for monetary gain

a government's monetary policy

monetarily

ˌmä-nə-ˈter-ə-lē 

also ˌmə-

adverb

Synonyms of monetary

• financial
• economic
• fiscal

Examples of monetary in a Sentence

a crime committed for monetary gain

Gold was once the basis of the U.S. monetary system.

Recent Examples on the Web

Individual and group financial coaching is available to clients to work through financial trouble, and JFS provides temporary monetary relief for expenses like medical bills and rent as well. —Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026

The Kennedy Center’s lawsuit against Redd seeks unspecified monetary damages. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026

Aside from the monetary penalty, the settlement requires Justin and Wonderful to halt any harassment or retaliation, undergo compliance audits and take other measures at the vineyard operations. —Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026

While those in the mayor's office and the council chambers agreed on the immediate monetary need, there is ongoing disagreement about where that money is now coming from. —Conor Wight, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin monetarius of a mint, of money, from Latin moneta

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing monetary

• monetary aggregate
• monetary unit

Rhymes for monetary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

monetary

adjective

mon·​e·​tary ˈmän-ə-ˌter-ē 

also ˈmən-

: of or relating to money

this administration's monetary policy