societal

adjective

so·​ci·​e·​tal sə-ˈsī-ə-tᵊl How to pronounce societal (audio)
: of or relating to society : social
societal forces
societally adverb

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Electric vehicles are an integral component of the societal shift towards clean, renewable energy. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 31 May 2023 The author links societal expectations for the behavior of women to Christianity’s Seven Deadly Sins. 7. The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2023 This month’s full moon in Sagittarius on June 3 is the ideal invitation to break free from mundane routines or societal expectations, and pave your own path, boldly and freely. Dossé-via, refinery29.com, 30 May 2023 In a world where men are wrestling with societal expectations, Ferebee's story serves as a beacon of hope. Jon Stogan, USA TODAY, 30 May 2023 The cost of loneliness Like most teens, Matthew Hernandez, 17, has come of age during the onslaught of social media, a seismic societal shift. Myah Taylor, Dallas News, 30 May 2023 Portrait of a Lady On Fire (2019) This period piece is a gorgeous meditation on love, fleeting connection, and the societal pressures that keep people apart. Aimée Lutkin, ELLE, 9 May 2023 But their rapid development has stirred fears among officials and even tech leaders about possible ethical and societal risks, with European Union negotiators scrambling to update draft artificial intelligence regulations that have been years in the making. Kelvin Chan, ajc, 28 Apr. 2023 In My Mother’s Shoes (Meghan O’Rourke, Harper’s Bazaar, May 2012) Meghan O’Rourke’s 2011 memoir The Long Goodbye details the death of her mother, and her subsequent realization that on a societal level, we are not equipped to properly grieve. Claire Hodgdon, Longreads, 25 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'societal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of societal was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near societal

Cite this Entry

“Societal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/societal. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

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