1
a
: of, relating to, or consisting of words
verbal instructions
b
: of, relating to, or involving words rather than meaning or substance
a consistency that is merely verbal and scholastic—
B. N. Cardozo
B. N. Cardozo
c
: consisting of or using words only and not involving action
verbal abuse
2
: of, relating to, or formed from a verb
a verbal adjective
3
: spoken rather than written
a verbal contract
4
: verbatim, word-for-word
a verbal translation
5
: of or relating to facility in the use and comprehension of words
verbal aptitude
: a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective compare gerund, infinitive, participle
Synonyms
Examples of verbal in a Sentence
Adjective
He scored well on the verbal section of the test.
They had a verbal exchange.
a verbal agreement to finish the work
We gave only verbal instructions.
Recent Examples on the WebBen Croll, Variety, 15 Apr. 2024
Bias incidents against Arabs range from verbal to fatal.
—Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 13 Apr. 2024
They are also being given detailed verbal directions by operators on nearby vessels viewing imagery in real-time.
—USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024
It was intended to offer a welcoming space for addicts to overcome challenges through emotional and verbal catharsis.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024
My bamboo sieve of soba noodles comes with a set of verbal instructions.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2024
Davies has a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid either this summer or next according to The Athletic.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Some people prefer to play supportive roles and may feel embarrassed by being thanked in front of a team, while others may need regular verbal recognition from their leaders.
—Jason Hennessey, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024
Pinegar and the other witness approached the truck and got into a verbal argument with Battle.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 4 Apr. 2024
Adjective
Both parties confirm that some altercations turned from verbal to physical as tempers flared — though the question of instigation leads to predictably contrasting responses.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 15 Apr. 2024
Bias incidents against Arabs range from verbal to fatal.
—Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 13 Apr. 2024
They are also being given detailed verbal directions by operators on nearby vessels viewing imagery in real-time.
—USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024
It was intended to offer a welcoming space for addicts to overcome challenges through emotional and verbal catharsis.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024
My bamboo sieve of soba noodles comes with a set of verbal instructions.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2024
Davies has a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid either this summer or next according to The Athletic.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Some people prefer to play supportive roles and may feel embarrassed by being thanked in front of a team, while others may need regular verbal recognition from their leaders.
—Jason Hennessey, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024
Pinegar and the other witness approached the truck and got into a verbal argument with Battle.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 4 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'verbal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near verbal
Cite this Entry
“Verbal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbal. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
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verbal
2 of 2 noun
: a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective
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