causal

adjective

caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl How to pronounce causal (audio)
1
: expressing or indicating cause : causative
a causal clause introduced by since
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a cause
the causal agent of a disease
3
: involving causation or a cause : marked by cause and effect
a causal link
evidence suggests that there is a strong causal relationship between an individual's experiences with his parents and his later capacity to make affectional bondsG. A. Miller
4
: arising from a cause
a causal development
causally adverb

Examples of causal in a Sentence

No causal connection between the events was found. There is a causal link between poverty and crime.
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.
Darwin’s nature acts, despite herself, as a causal force — like the very God that evolution puts into question. Shadi Bartsch, The Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2025 Regardless of the causal chain, extreme cold is on the way for more than 150 million Americans. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025 Extensive research and numerous studies have consistently found no evidence supporting a causal relationship between vaccines and autism. A.j. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2025 Firms should double down on their efforts to align their technology strategy with their business goals, using tools like digital twins, predictive analytics, and causal AI to better anticipate and mitigate risk, improve processes, and enhance customers and staff experiences. Lisa Caldwell, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for causal 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin causālis, from Latin causa cause entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of causal was circa 1530

Dictionary Entries Near causal

Cite this Entry

“Causal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causal. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

causal

adjective
caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl How to pronounce causal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a cause

Legal Definition

causal

adjective
caus·​al ˈkȯ-zəl How to pronounce causal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a cause
causal negligence
2
: involving causation or a cause
no causal relationship between driving without insurance and the accidentNational Law Journal
a causal link exists between the deceptive act and the injuryNational Law Journal
3
: arising from a cause
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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