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
That hike was theoretically to be offset by an increase to the card’s rewards, which are now purportedly worth $2,700 annually, offered not in the form of legal tender but rather as a long and complex list of credits, many of them issued in the conditional tense.
—
Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
After lengthy discussion, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend approval of the conditional use permit.
—Brent Schacherer, Twin Cities, 24 Jan. 2024
Court officials satisfied pending plan meets concerns Specifically, the conditional release plan, created by a team of doctors and social workers as well as Geyser herself, includes GPS monitoring at all times so officials can track her movements.
—Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 17 July 2025
However, state authorities clarified that the conditional suspension of the process for alleged advocacy of crime does not extend to the investigation into their possible involvement in the crime of operations with resources of illicit origin, which remains ongoing.
—Natalia Cano, Billboard, 17 June 2025
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
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Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
After lengthy discussion, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend approval of the conditional use permit.
—Brent Schacherer, Twin Cities, 24 Jan. 2024
Court officials satisfied pending plan meets concerns Specifically, the conditional release plan, created by a team of doctors and social workers as well as Geyser herself, includes GPS monitoring at all times so officials can track her movements.
—Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 17 July 2025
However, state authorities clarified that the conditional suspension of the process for alleged advocacy of crime does not extend to the investigation into their possible involvement in the crime of operations with resources of illicit origin, which remains ongoing.
—Natalia Cano, Billboard, 17 June 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“The conditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20conditional. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
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