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

And others escalate aggression—interrupting, dismissing ideas, excluding girls from groups or partnerships, and resorting to sexualized, relational hostility. —Soraya Chemaly, Time, 24 Nov. 2025

Another reason is relational stress. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 20 Nov. 2025

The approach is relational and practical — staff members and volunteers help newcomers navigate healthcare, schools and work, learn language, and build social capital. —Emily Bramhall, Miami Herald, 20 Nov. 2025

The data showed that alexithymia often acted as a bridge between insecure attachment and burnout—essentially explaining how early relational patterns translate into parenting fatigue. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025

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