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
see also:
racial group

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 foundation will also create a dedicated racial justice fund. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 In the last two years, dozens of colleges and universities have rolled back or eliminated such offerings to avoid accusations of racial discrimination that have led to loss of research funding and other sanctions. — Elissa Nadworny, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026 The 1985 South African Grand Prix took place during apartheid, and French teams Renault and Ligier did not attend amid opposition to the country’s racial policies. — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 However, Gates, who resigned in the wake of the 1992 LA Riots, was also viewed as leaving a legacy of police brutality and racial tension. — Tom Wait, CBS News, 22 Oct. 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
racial group
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Racial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racial. Accessed 27 Oct. 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
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