referential

adjective

ref·​er·​en·​tial ˌre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce referential (audio)
: of, containing, or constituting a reference
especially : pointing to or involving a referent
referential language
referential meaning
referentiality
ˌre-fə-ˌren(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce referential (audio)
noun
referentially
ˌre-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē How to pronounce referential (audio)
adverb

Examples of referential in a Sentence

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.
His singing as Andy Boay is more distinct, his lyrics more diaristic and even self-referential. — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026 As with any fan culture, the lore and language are self-referential and constantly evolving. — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026 Constraints, enumerations and referential integrity are miserable work for a person in front of an open gearbox. — Julien Vantyghem, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 The celebrity glam teams always take a little more license at the VMAs to get eccentric, hyperbolically glamorous, referential, or all three. — Marci Robin, Allure, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for referential

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of referential was in 1660

Rhymes for referential

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Browse Nearby Words

referent
referential
referral
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Cite this Entry

“Referential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/referential. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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