Definition of CONSTITUTIONAL (original) (raw)
1
: relating to, inherent in, or affecting the constitution of body or mind
2
: of, relating to, or entering into the fundamental makeup of something : essential
3
: being in accordance with or authorized by the constitution of a state or society
a constitutional government
4
: regulated by or ruling according to a constitution
a constitutional monarchy
5
: of or relating to a constitution
6
: loyal to or supporting an established constitution or form of government
: a walk taken for one's health
Synonyms
Examples of constitutional in a Sentence
Adjective
the constitutional guarantee of free speech a constitutional right to vote Constitutional symptoms of the disease include headache and fever. He has a constitutional dislike of controversy. Noun
She's gone out for her morning constitutional. went for my evening constitutional in the park
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.
Opponents say that Trump doesn’t have the constitutional authority to overturn an act of Congress, but some climate programs do appear more vulnerable than others. —
Nara Schoenberg, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025 Rights groups and legal scholars said the new measure would violate constitutional free speech rights and would likely draw legal challenges. —Andrea Shalal, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025
Some people used to refer to these walks as constitutionals, or strolls undertaken for your health. —Maria Godoy, NPR, 27 Nov. 2024 The working group stresses that federal courts have time and again ruled the 702 program _constitutional_—when its procedures are not skirted by negligent employees and willful violators for nefarious or self-serving means. —WIRED, 16 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for constitutional 
Word History
First Known Use
Adjective
1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1829, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of constitutional was in 1682
Dictionary Entries Near constitutional
Cite this Entry
“Constitutional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constitutional. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 4 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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