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
But that change was due to a constitutional amendment approved by Michigan voters in 2022, not an action lawmakers took on their own. —
Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 27 June 2024 Dim lights, dark corners and art deco surroundings set the stage at 18th & 21st, a speakeasy throwback that takes its name from the constitutional amendments that enacted and repealed Prohibition. —Allana Haynes, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 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 And at that point, there was a monarchy, the dynasty at the time, and the constitutionals were looking to reform it and limit the monarch's power. —Foreign Affairs, 24 May 2016 See all Example Sentences for constitutional 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constitutional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 3 Jul. 2024.
Share
More from Merriam-Webster on constitutional
Last Updated: 1 Jul 2024 - Updated example sentences
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!