therapeutic
adjective
ther·a·peu·tic
ˌther-ə-ˈpyü-tik 
1
: of or relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods : curative, medicinal
therapeutic diets
They confirmed the therapeutic effect of supplemental light in treating winter depression with phototherapy.—
Richard Wurtman and Judith Wurtman
Richard Wurtman and Judith WurtmanA just-right amount is the therapeutic dose, just enough to provide the intended effect without problems.—Paul G. Donohue
Paul G. Donohue2
: having a beneficial effect on the body or mind
Warm lotion manicures … are a luxurious, therapeutic treat …—Elle
Elle… they painted, hoed, swept, and planted when the mood for therapeutic work struck them, and lolled on the beach when they felt like it.—David Guterson
David Guterson3
: producing a useful or favorable result or effect
In classical economics, before the illusion of fine-tuning became widespread, recessions were regarded as therapeutic.—Geoffrey Smith and Jane Sasseen
Geoffrey Smith and Jane Sasseen
therapeutic
noun
Examples of therapeutic in a Sentence
the therapeutic benefits of yoga
Gardening can be very therapeutic.
the therapeutic effects of radiation
Recent Examples on the Web
The obvious one is allowing a little bit of scientific tampering for therapeutic, but not cosmetic, reasons.
—Abby McCloskey, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
So does Martinez find Valentina therapeutic, too?
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
Redecorating your space could also feel oddly therapeutic.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
There are some, and (there) should be increased, opportunities for therapeutic intervention for parents as well.
—Ashley Luthern, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for therapeutic
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.
Abby McCloskey, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
So does Martinez find Valentina therapeutic, too?
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
Redecorating your space could also feel oddly therapeutic.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
There are some, and (there) should be increased, opportunities for therapeutic intervention for parents as well.
—Ashley Luthern, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for therapeutic
Cite this Entry
“Therapeutic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/therapeutic. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
therapeutic
adjective
ther·a·peu·tic
ˌther-ə-ˈpyüt-ik
Medical Definition
therapeutic
adjective
ther·a·peu·tic
-ˈpyüt-ik
1
: of, relating to, or used in the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods : curative, medicinal
… the dose was increased to 8 mg per day, which is the higher end of the therapeutic dosage range.—Hasan B. Alam et al., The New England Journal of Medicine
Hasan B. Alam et al., The New England Journal of MedicineConscious sedation is used increasingly in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, ranging from gastrointestinal endoscopy to minor surgery in patients who are relaxed, but responsive.—The Journal of the American Medical Association
The Journal of the American Medical AssociationThey confirmed the therapeutic effect of supplemental light in treating winter depression with phototherapy.—Richard Wurtman and Judith Wurtman, Scientific American
Richard Wurtman and Judith Wurtman, Scientific American2
: having a beneficial effect on the body or mind
California psychotherapist Annette Goodheart believes not only that laughter can be therapeutic but also that therapy needs to include laughter.—Jeff Wagenheim, New Age Journal
Jeff Wagenheim, New Age Journal
therapeutically
adverb
a therapeutically effective regimen
therapeutically equivalent drugs
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share