relational

adjective

re·​la·​tion·​al ri-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of or relating to kinship

2

: characterized or constituted by relations

3

: having the function chiefly of indicating a relation of syntax

has is notional in he has luck, relational in he has gone

4

: relating to, using, or being a method of organizing data in a database so that it is perceived by the user as a set of tables

relationally adverb

Examples of relational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Your veteran team members possess invaluable wisdom regarding conflict resolution, long-term strategy and relational intelligence. — Kent Ingle, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Zumthor’s biomorph takes on this relational heritage, radicalizing it, with the museum pitched as a neo-modernist return or citation, with programmatic implications. — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

This year’s cohort gathers five visionary artists from across Turtle Island and Pasifika, whose work reflects both artistic rigor and deep relational accountability. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026

A great deal of flourishing and suffering happens between people, not just within them, because human beings are relational beings. — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing relational

• relational grammar

Rhymes for relational

• formational
• foundational
• gestational
• gradational
• locational
• mutational
• notational
• rotational
• sensational
• translational
• vibrational
• vocational