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

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.
Smartphones, social media, academic demands, family responsibilities and broader societal changes can all play a role. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 To stand before Hirsch’s Ark door and his lectern at Chicago Sinai Congregation was to feel the power of faith in creating societal good. — Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 Through no fault, or aspiration, of its own, the WNBA has turned into a vehicle to talk about an array of divisive societal issues. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026 The benefits of bioconvergence—the synergy of advances in AI, biotechnology, and bioengineering—matter too much to each country’s economic and societal well-being. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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