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

Examples of societal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Back in 2014, Shiloh briefly decided on a new name—John—and began dressing in suits and slacks. 07 of 09 Olivia Wilde Mother-of-two Olivia Wilde refuses to let her kids grow up with societal gender expectations. Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 16 July 2024 Despite initial skepticism, the division has flourished, reflecting a broader societal shift towards body positivity and inclusivity. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 15 July 2024 Als echoes this statement, saying that part of what drew him to Baldwin’s writing was his ability to connect individual issues to societal ones. Nathan Pugh, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 July 2024 Cause of many societal issues is the loneliness boys experience, Niobe Way says. Abc News, ABC News, 13 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for societal 

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 27 Jul. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on societal

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