communal

adjective

kə-ˈmyü-nᵊl How to pronounce communal (audio)
Definition of communalnext
as in collective
used or done by a number of people as a group the swimming pool is part of the communal property of the condo complex

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of communal Although their mythological associations and forms of celebration differ by region, both are marked by major religious and communal observances and festivities. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026 There’s always been rage in Team Dresch’s music, but the main emotion that comes across is communal joy — that’s part of the kick of their excellent new album Furthermore. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026 Those garlands of noise suggest that this show will be geared more toward communal arena rock than introspective bedroom pop. — Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 Because so many of Gunn’s friends died in San Francisco, a city where Gunn had found happiness and freedom, then these elegies are also a monument to a time of communal sorrow and mourning. — Colm Tóibín, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for communal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for communal
  1. collective
  2. collaborative
  3. joint
  4. combined
  5. mutual
Adjective
  • Part of our collective mounting dread is that this technology is far outstripping the ability, access, and time required to study its effects on human beings.
    — Laura Reiley, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 2026
  • O’Hare though paid individuals a collective $16,000 for canvassing, whereas Simmons doesn’t report spending any.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of collective
Adjective
  • Golden Goose is evolving into a platform where product shifts into experiences, and stores become collaborative spaces for self-expression.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The project will be collaborative, not just within the nine museums, but amongst Cameroonian communities.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of collaborative
Adjective
  • However, that proposal was shelved after securing consensus among Group of Seven nations to coordinate a joint strategic petroleum reserve release.
    — , CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Megelin Red Light Heating Glove Red light therapy, in context of the hands, has been linked to decreases in joint swelling, improved circulation, and the alleviation of arthritic discomfort.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of joint
Adjective
  • The combined sewage-overflow tanks that are supposed to divert sewage from running into the canal won’t be complete until 2029 — a seven-year delay that might require parts of the canal to be re-dredged again to remove the contamination.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The lawsuit settlement with Bonta requires that the combined company produce at least 30 movies a year for five years.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of combined
Adjective
  • During that time the female lead Rosa Salazar exited, by all accounts a mutual decision, and Fumero came on board.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The Country Music Hall of Famer and Kansas City have enjoyed a relationship of mutual admiration for decades.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of mutual

Browse Nearby Words

commoving
communal
commune
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Communal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/communal. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of Luddite

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All