referential

adjective

ref·​er·​en·​tial ˌre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce referential (audio)
: of, containing, or constituting a reference
especially : pointing to or involving a referent
referential language
referential meaning
referentiality
ˌre-fə-ˌren(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce referential (audio)
noun
referentially
ˌre-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē How to pronounce referential (audio)
adverb

Examples of referential 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.
With Logout’s punk credentials and Margo XS’s keen ear for self-referential, post-hyperpop production, HARDBODY’s hero’s journey is sarcastically relatable, like getting roasted in the group chat for last night’s shenanigans. — Cameron Cook, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026 Scher sees the emergent surveillance aesthetic as something layered and self-referential. — T.m. Brown, CNN Money, 18 July 2026 The one HalluSquatting exploits is described as being self-referential. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026 Both are referential, packed with Lynchian flourishes and Stephen King Easter eggs, but at the same time like nothing else onscreen, a combination of slapstick humor and genuinely frightening jump scares that feels all its own. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for referential

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of referential was in 1660

Rhymes for referential

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Browse Nearby Words

referent
referential
referral
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Cite this Entry

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

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