VERBAL Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

verbal

adjective

ˈvər-bəl

Definition of verbal

as in linguistic

of or relating to words or language the child didn't yet have the verbal skills needed to tell the doctor about the pain he was experiencing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in oral

made or carried on through speaking rather than in writing a verbal agreement carries less force than a written contract

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of verbal Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh praised Natasha Cloud after she was involved in a verbal altercation with Enes Kanter Freedom. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 That deal, which attorneys characterized as verbal in nature, fell apart on the last day of trial and ended with a shouting match in the judge’s chambers, defense attorneys for Anthony testified. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026 Yes, there was friction and clashes with teammates (including a verbal altercation with Wade) during that 2005-2006 title season and the year that followed. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026 That means implementing clear policies on when AI note-takers may be used, requiring visible notifications and verbal confirmation for sensitive discussions, and establishing retention controls to ensure transcripts don’t linger indefinitely. — Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for verbal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for verbal

Adjective

Anedda’s way of capturing different moments from different linguistic or interpretive points of view allows the everyday elements of our lives to find space in poetry, democratically.

— Wallis Wilde-Menozzi, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
If O’Donnell’s tenure on Kimmel was a welcome hug of nostalgia, then this White House statement is a boring retread of the administration’s linguistic greatest hits.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of linguistic

Adjective

Now, from membership in the Nazi Party to the facts behind family lineage or legends, communicative memory no longer has the final word.

— Fern Schumer Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Steering is accurate without being particularly communicative, but that's perfectly appropriate for this car.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 July 2026

Definition of communicative

Browse Nearby Words

verandas

verbal

verbalism

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“Verbal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/verbal. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of verbal

adjective

Example Sentences

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