the conditional
noun
grammar
: the mood or form that is used to say that something is true or happens only if something else is true or happens
The conditional is often marked by the word "if."
Examples of the conditional in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If safety concerns emerge or if the treatment proves less effective than anticipated, the FDA would retain the authority to revoke the conditional approval or require additional studies.
—
Greg Licholai Md, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Because of the conditional threat of severe weather, the National Weather Service has placed Kansas City and parts of northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri under an enhanced risk of severe weather, the third level on the Storm Prediction Center’s five-point scale.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2025
And this effect wasn’t just about the conditional love itself — it was also shaped by the emotional climate at home.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
The cancellation of parole, effective April 25, will terminate the conditional release granted to beneficiaries upon entering the U.S., Allen explained.
—Maykel Gonzalez, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
The order used imperative language but implied the conditional tense, casting readers—the country at large—to live in the blank space of the could.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
There are a few options available, and the Trump administration has given the conditional green light to one made by Zoetis.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2025
According to area news outlet NBC-CT, Smith — who resides at the Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown — was granted the conditional release after a review hearing regarding his case by the Connecticut Psychiatric Security Review Board on Friday, Feb. 22.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025
Without the conditional raise, state employees covered by the contract will receive a 3% raise in July — on par with salary increases in 2023 and 2024.
—William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 13 Feb. 2025
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Greg Licholai Md, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Because of the conditional threat of severe weather, the National Weather Service has placed Kansas City and parts of northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri under an enhanced risk of severe weather, the third level on the Storm Prediction Center’s five-point scale.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2025
And this effect wasn’t just about the conditional love itself — it was also shaped by the emotional climate at home.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
The cancellation of parole, effective April 25, will terminate the conditional release granted to beneficiaries upon entering the U.S., Allen explained.
—Maykel Gonzalez, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
The order used imperative language but implied the conditional tense, casting readers—the country at large—to live in the blank space of the could.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
There are a few options available, and the Trump administration has given the conditional green light to one made by Zoetis.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2025
According to area news outlet NBC-CT, Smith — who resides at the Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown — was granted the conditional release after a review hearing regarding his case by the Connecticut Psychiatric Security Review Board on Friday, Feb. 22.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025
Without the conditional raise, state employees covered by the contract will receive a 3% raise in July — on par with salary increases in 2023 and 2024.
—William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 13 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“The conditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20conditional. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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