scriptural

adjective

scrip·​tur·​al ˈskrip(t)-sh(ə-)rəl How to pronounce scriptural (audio)
: of, relating to, contained in, or according to a sacred writing
especially : biblical
scripturally adverb

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web If the Feast of the Epiphany manifests anything in contemporary American life, it’s that the ethno-religious nationalism so many Christians trumpet does in fact follow the scriptural account, but not in the way these Christians think. Time, 6 Jan. 2023 The Rapture has no scriptural basis besides an obviously metaphorical verse in Paul’s first epistle to the Thessalonians. Michael Robbins, Harper’s Magazine , 9 Nov. 2022 Lee’s 2020 remarks comparing Trump to Captain Moroni, a scriptural hero in the Book of Mormon, alienated some members of the faith and is the subject of a recent McMullin attack ad. The Salt Lake Tribune, 22 Oct. 2022 Lee's 2020 remarks comparing Trump to Captain Moroni, a scriptural hero in the Book of Mormon, alienated some members of the faith and is the subject of a recent McMullin attack ad. CBS News, 22 Oct. 2022 These meetings, many of which are still held today, focus heavily on events in the Christian Book of Revelation, and attempt to connect scriptural elements with current events in the world. Aj Willingham, CNN, 27 Sep. 2022 These acts loom over the family’s life like a legend, with quasi-scriptural authority, and the actors’ concentrated fury and vulnerability lends D’Ambrose’s reserved manner a vital, sometimes terrifying dramatic intensity. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 1 Sep. 2022 These scriptural traditions divide the pregnancy timeline into stages. Zahra Ayubi, The Conversation, 8 July 2022 Could employees who question scriptural historicity or undergoing a faith crisis talk to their bishops without being worried about job security? The Salt Lake Tribune, 28 Aug. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scriptural.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scriptural was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near scriptural

Cite this Entry

“Scriptural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scriptural. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

scriptural

adjective
scrip·​tur·​al ˈskrip-chə-rəl How to pronounce scriptural (audio)
ˈskrip-shrəl
: of, relating to, or agreeing with a sacred writing
especially : biblical
scripturally
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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


Which Came First?

  • baby chick with a brown egg
  • hot take or cold shoulder?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY