racial

adjective

ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl How to pronounce racial (audio)
Synonyms of racialnext
1
: of, relating to, or based on a race (see race entry 1 sense 1a)
a racial minority
2
: existing or occurring between races (see race entry 1 sense 1a)
racial equality
racially
ˈrā-shə-lē How to pronounce racial (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of racial

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Examples of racial in a Sentence

What is your racial identity? There was racial tension on campus.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The military has historically been a powerful force for integration in America—even as its highest ranks have been slow to reflect the racial makeup of the country. — Adam Harris, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 The former president, who successfully pushed to end the requirement in 2020, said the racial and class equity logic that drove that decision deserves a second look. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 During the Cape Verde–versus-Argentina game, the YouTuber and Twitch streamer recorded a woman yelling racial slurs at him during the game. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 July 2026 Nationally, American Indian and Alaska Natives have the highest teen pregnancy rate among racial and ethnic groups. — Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for racial

Word History

Etymology

race entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of racial was in 1853

Phrases Containing racial

Rhymes for racial

See All Rhymes for racial

Browse Nearby Words

Rachycentron
racial
racialism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Racial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racial. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

racial

adjective
ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl How to pronounce racial (audio)
: of, relating to, or based on race
racially
-shə-lē How to pronounce racial (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

racial

adjective
ra·​cial ˈrā-shəl How to pronounce racial (audio)
: of, relating to, or based on a race

More from Merriam-Webster on racial

Nglish: Translation of racial for Spanish Speakers

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