2
: of, relating to, or constituting a cause
the causal agent of a disease
3
: involving causation or a cause : marked by cause and effect
a causal link
evidence suggests that there is a strong causal relationship between an individual's experiences with his parents and his later capacity to make affectional bonds—
G. A. Miller
G. A. Miller4
: arising from a cause
a causal development
Examples of causal in a Sentence
No causal connection between the events was found.
There is a causal link between poverty and crime.
Recent Examples on the Web
But heat is not necessarily the only factor that may be leading to negative health outcomes—and the study only establishes a link between extreme heat and biological age, not a causal relationship.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
This causal relationship, where scientific research leads to innovations and inventions that promote economic growth, is true around the world.
—Chris Impey, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2025
These data do not suggest a causal relationship between GLP-1 RA use and NAION events.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
Darwin’s nature acts, despite herself, as a causal force — like the very God that evolution puts into question.
—Shadi Bartsch, The Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for causal
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Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
This causal relationship, where scientific research leads to innovations and inventions that promote economic growth, is true around the world.
—Chris Impey, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2025
These data do not suggest a causal relationship between GLP-1 RA use and NAION events.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
Darwin’s nature acts, despite herself, as a causal force — like the very God that evolution puts into question.
—Shadi Bartsch, The Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for causal
Cite this Entry
“Causal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causal. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
causal
adjective
caus·al
ˈkȯ-zəl 
: of, relating to, or being a cause
Legal Definition
causal
adjective
caus·al
ˈkȯ-zəl
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a cause
causal negligence
2
: involving causation or a cause
no causal relationship between driving without insurance and the accident—National Law Journal
National Law Journala causal link exists between the deceptive act and the injury—National Law Journal
National Law Journal3
: arising from a cause
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