participatory

adjective

par·​tic·​i·​pa·​to·​ry pär-ˈti-sə-pə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce participatory (audio)
pər-
: characterized by or involving participation
especially : providing the opportunity for individual participation
participatory democracy
participatory management

Examples of participatory 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.
Kiesler and his heirs envisioned architecture that would make the arts more available, provisional, improvisational, democratic, and participatory, more playful and less aloof. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026 In participatory action research, communities partner with researchers to move toward community goals. — Krista Mehari, The Conversation, 23 July 2026 And finally, since 2018, participatory budgeting has been mandatory in the cities with county rights. — Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 Between a book’s covers is a unique kind of participatory adventure that is excellent exercise for our brains. — Jen Benka, Time, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for participatory

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of participatory was in 1881

Rhymes for participatory

See All Rhymes for participatory

Browse Nearby Words

participator
participatory
participial
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Participatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/participatory. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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