1
—used to describe something (such as an agreement) that will happen only if something else also happens
She had a conditional agreement with her father that she could use the car if she paid for the gas.
a conditional sale of land
—often + on or uponOur agreement is conditional on/upon your raising the needed money.
2
grammar
: showing or used to show that something is true or happens only if something else is true or happens
"If she speaks, you must listen" is a conditional sentence.
The sentence contains the conditional clause "if she speaks."
plural conditionals
grammar
1
: a word, clause, or sentence that shows that something is true or happens only if something else is true or happens
The clause "if she speaks" is a conditional.
2
: 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."
Cite this Entry
“Conditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/conditional. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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