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

Wilson explores these relational fissures throughout the novel but does not resolve them. — Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026

What does this decision do to each dimension, for whom, and at what relational cost? — Susan Lamotte, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Community and social support is diffuse, relational, and hard to measure. — Kyle Vanelli, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026

Gifts in close relationships carry stronger expectations around relational signaling. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 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