referential

adjective

ref·​er·​en·​tial ˌre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce referential (audio)
: of, containing, or constituting a reference
especially : pointing to or involving a referent
referential language
referential meaning
referentially adverb

Examples of referential in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The book’s partly self-referential title is not meant to shock. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025 This is also due, in part, to the brand being heavily self-referential. Essence, 11 Aug. 2025 If the show were just a cleverly referential fantasy, that would probably be enough. Vulture Editors, Vulture, 23 July 2025 Redundant data was safely removed from production systems while preserving referential integrity. Gabriel Gonzalez, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for referential

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of referential was in 1660

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Referential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/referential. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!