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.—
Benjamin N. Cardozo
Benjamin 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
Synonyms of verbal
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
Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
On the surface, this message stood in stark contrast to the verbal attack on European values made by Vice President JD Vance at the same gathering last year.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 16 Feb. 2026
Lozano’s relationship with Varas deteriorated in early October, when he was subbed at halftime of a game at Houston and suspended following a heated verbal altercation in the locker room.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Specifically, during a phone call Sullivan had with Eric after the ordeal, which marked a low point for the series as Eric launched into a verbal tirade while cameras captured Sullivan crumpled into a bawling heap.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for verbal
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Adjective
The whole point was a bunch of kids setting out on a verbal expedition to use the telephone as a megaphone to have our voices heard.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
On the surface, this message stood in stark contrast to the verbal attack on European values made by Vice President JD Vance at the same gathering last year.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 16 Feb. 2026
Lozano’s relationship with Varas deteriorated in early October, when he was subbed at halftime of a game at Houston and suspended following a heated verbal altercation in the locker room.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Specifically, during a phone call Sullivan had with Eric after the ordeal, which marked a low point for the series as Eric launched into a verbal tirade while cameras captured Sullivan crumpled into a bawling heap.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for verbal
Cite this Entry
“Verbal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbal. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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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