causality

noun

cau·​sal·​i·​ty kȯ-ˈza-lə-tē How to pronounce causality (audio)
plural causalities
Synonyms of causalitynext
1
: a causal quality or agency
2
: the relation between a cause and its effect or between regularly correlated events or phenomena

Synonyms of causality

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Examples of causality in a Sentence

Scientists found no causality between the events. a supreme being is a being that, by definition, has no causality of its own
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.
By the time something appears suspicious, causality is fragmented across systems, logs and identities. — Brian Contos, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 This is common in observational studies like this, which usually can’t clearly separate causality from correlation due to some immeasurable variable. — New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026 In other sectors, too, the report doesn't prove causality but identifies rising costs where immigrant labor is key. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026 Or maybe the causality flows the other way, and the parity era has shifted into a new phase where the best way to build a winner is to acquire as much star power as possible without tilting your balance too far toward the truly elite. — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for causality

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin causālitāt- causālitās, from Late Latin causālis causal + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of causality was in 1603

Rhymes for causality

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Browse Nearby Words

causalgia
causality
causal necessity
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Cite this Entry

“Causality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causality. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

causality

noun
cau·​sal·​i·​ty kȯ-ˈza-lə-tē How to pronounce causality (audio)
plural causalities
: the relationship between cause and effect

More from Merriam-Webster on causality

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about causality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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