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
By comparing seabird populations across the motus, for instance, the researchers hope to be able to pinpoint the effects of removing the rats and, ideally, prove a causal relationship.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025
The researchers then used a statistical technique to explore the causal relationship between social isolation and loneliness, on the one hand, and proteins on the other.
—Maureen MacKey, Fox News, 3 Jan. 2025
That doesn’t necessarily mean causation, but the connection suggests a causal effect is highly likely.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
No evidence was found to support a causal effect of dysmenorrhea on depression, however, the authors said.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for causal 
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Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025
The researchers then used a statistical technique to explore the causal relationship between social isolation and loneliness, on the one hand, and proteins on the other.
—Maureen MacKey, Fox News, 3 Jan. 2025
That doesn’t necessarily mean causation, but the connection suggests a causal effect is highly likely.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
No evidence was found to support a causal effect of dysmenorrhea on depression, however, the authors said.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for causal
Dictionary Entries Near causal
Cite this Entry
“Causal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causal. Accessed 18 Jan. 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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