1
a
: of, relating to, or consisting of words
verbal instructions
b
: of, relating to, or involving words rather than meaning or substance
a consistency that is merely verbal and scholastic—
B. N. Cardozo
B. N. Cardozo
c
: consisting of or using words only and not involving action
verbal abuse
2
: of, relating to, or formed from a verb
a verbal adjective
3
: spoken rather than written
a verbal contract
4
: verbatim, word-for-word
a verbal translation
5
: of or relating to facility in the use and comprehension of words
verbal aptitude
: a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective compare gerund, infinitive, participle
Examples of verbal in a Sentence
Adjective
He scored well on the verbal section of the test.
They had a verbal exchange.
a verbal agreement to finish the work
We gave only verbal instructions.
Recent Examples on the Web
Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025
According to filings by the Middlesex County Prosecutors’ office, Limani’s dashboard camera recorded his verbal challenge to race the other driver, Jeter Ogando, 23.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
Under the new rule, a speaker who uses the term will first receive a verbal warning.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Estrogen has long been known to influence brain function, particularly in areas tied to memory, mood regulation, and verbal fluency.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for verbal
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Adjective
After a verbal altercation between Britton and a 65-year-old man escalated, Worthy said the suspect fired a gun several times.
—Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025
According to filings by the Middlesex County Prosecutors’ office, Limani’s dashboard camera recorded his verbal challenge to race the other driver, Jeter Ogando, 23.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
Under the new rule, a speaker who uses the term will first receive a verbal warning.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Estrogen has long been known to influence brain function, particularly in areas tied to memory, mood regulation, and verbal fluency.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for verbal
Cite this Entry
“Verbal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbal. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
verbal
2 of 2 noun
: a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective
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