societal

adjective

so·​ci·​e·​tal sə-ˈsī-ə-tᵊl How to pronounce societal (audio)
: of or relating to society : social
societal forces
societally
sə-ˈsī-ə-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce societal (audio)
adverb

Examples of societal in a Sentence

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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.
Throughout the evacuation, Olya fixates on the fact that men aged 18 to 60 are barred from leaving, all the while wearing a ridiculous big fluffy hat that seems to protect her more from the societal meltdown around her than from the cold. — Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026 Their divergent views highlight a field entering a complex new phase regarding risks, benefits, and societal impact. — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Speaking with me nearly a decade later, Engeln sees AI face as an extension of this societal trend. — Jaimie Potters, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026 Not only do organizers give their mostly women clients the permission to part with belongings, but also the permission to let go of exacting societal expectations like having a perfectly organized and spotless house. — Marianne Cooper, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for societal

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of societal was in 1890

Phrases Containing societal

Rhymes for societal

See All Rhymes for societal

Browse Nearby Words

sociétaire
societal
societary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Societal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/societal. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on societal

Nglish: Translation of societal for Spanish Speakers

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