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

The goal is not only personal growth but sustained relational change that shapes how decisions are made and how communities experience those decisions. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026

The economy consists of a vast array of physical, relational, and supervisory tasks fraught with coordination frictions and liability constraints that algorithms cannot easily navigate. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026

Vibes turn around and bring success, money, a game-changing innovation and family or relational joy/commitment. —Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026

Midweek brings a relational softening as Venus enters Pisces on February 10th, joining Mercury in the zone of partnerships, collaboration, and one-on-one dynamics. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 8 Feb. 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
• nonrational
• notational
• rotational
• sensational
• translational
• vibrational