monetary

adjective

mon·​e·​tary ˈmä-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce monetary (audio)
also ˈmə-
Synonyms of monetary
: of or relating to money or to the mechanisms by which it is supplied to and circulates in the economy
a crime committed for monetary gain
a government's monetary policy
monetarily
ˌmä-nə-ˈter-ə-lē How to pronounce monetary (audio)
also ˌmə-
adverb

Synonyms of monetary

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Examples of monetary in a Sentence

a crime committed for monetary gain Gold was once the basis of the U.S. monetary system.
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.
But the move risks clashing with Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s own plans to shrink the Fed’s balance sheet — and with any Fed decision to tighten monetary policy. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 Aug. 2026 But most Fed-watchers expect significant monetary tightening soon. — George Calhoun, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 Warsh's remarks will be closely monitored for any indication of his views on how monetary policy should respond to persistently above-target inflation, or the impact of rising long-term borrowing costs. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 The event has been the location of major monetary policy announcements in past years. — Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for monetary

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin monetarius of a mint, of money, from Latin moneta

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monetary was in 1663

Phrases Containing monetary

Rhymes for monetary

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Browse Nearby Words

monetarism
monetary
monetary aggregate
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Cite this Entry

“Monetary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monetary. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

monetary

adjective
mon·​e·​tary ˈmän-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce monetary (audio)
also ˈmən-
: of or relating to money
this administration's monetary policy
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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