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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This generational transition is altering our collective consciousness, challenging us to transform power dynamics within groups, friendships and societal systems. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025 What's really behind the baby bust The reasons Americans choose not to have children are hotly debated in academic circles, with many attributing America’s baby bust to shifting priorities and societal norms. Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025 His main goal behind joining Interesting Engineering is to learn more about how the recent technological advancements are helping human beings on both societal and individual levels in their daily lives. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025 Additionally, the epidemic is often concentrated in networks of people who face societal discrimination, making care retention and engagement difficult. Robin Lin Miller, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for societal

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of societal was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Societal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/societal. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on societal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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