interpersonal

adjective

in·​ter·​per·​son·​al ˌin-tər-ˈpər-s(ə-)nəl How to pronounce interpersonal (audio)
: being, relating to, or involving relations between persons
interpersonally adverb

Examples of interpersonal 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.
Over time, familiarity can grow, and trust may deepen when people take modest interpersonal risks and find that they are met with care and respect. — K.h. Koehler, Freep.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Sandy, apparently blind to the interpersonal nuances ailing the deck team, keeps Aesha on deck, Kayley as acting chief stew, and makes Joe acting bosun for the charter. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026 Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are evidence-based. — John Samuels, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Fortunately for the anxious among us, and less fortunately for those still loyal to the dying rituals of interpersonal correspondence, Cynthia has recently moved to online reservations. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interpersonal

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interpersonal was in 1842

Phrases Containing interpersonal

Rhymes for interpersonal

See All Rhymes for interpersonal

Browse Nearby Words

interpenetrative
interpersonal
interpersonal skills
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interpersonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpersonal. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

interpersonal

adjective
in·​ter·​per·​son·​al -ˈpərs-nəl How to pronounce interpersonal (audio)
-ᵊn-əl
: being, relating to, or including relations between persons
interpersonally
-ˈpərs-nə-lē, 
-ᵊn-ə-
adverb

Medical Definition

interpersonal

adjective
in·​ter·​per·​son·​al -ˈpərs-nəl, -ᵊn-əl How to pronounce interpersonal (audio)
: being, relating to, or involving relations between persons
interpersonally
-ē How to pronounce interpersonal (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on interpersonal

Nglish: Translation of interpersonal for Spanish Speakers

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