societal

adjective

so·​ci·​e·​tal sə-ˈsī-ə-tᵊl How to pronounce societal (audio)
: of or relating to society : social
societal forces
societally
sə-ˈsī-ə-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce societal (audio)
adverb

Examples of societal 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.
Advertisement Our societal demand for these kinds of workers is high. — Gene Sperling, Time, 1 July 2026 Influencers who peddle supplements and squats are ignoring the enormous role of societal conditions. — Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 As new generations transition India toward fresh societal pathways, is there any chance the caste system can be revisited? — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 28 June 2026 Some tech industry figures say the facilities have become lightning rods for concerns over broader economic and societal changes posed by the AI boom. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for societal

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of societal was in 1890

Phrases Containing societal

Rhymes for societal

See All Rhymes for societal

Browse Nearby Words

sociétaire
societal
societary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on societal

Nglish: Translation of societal for Spanish Speakers

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