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consequential

adjective
con·​se·​quen·​tial | \ ËŒkän(t)-sÉ™-ˈkwen(t)-shÉ™l How to pronounce consequential (audio) \

Definition of consequential

1 : of the nature of a secondary result : indirect insurance against consequential loss
2 : consequent oversupply and the consequential plummeting prices
3 : having significant consequences : important a grave and consequential event consequential decisions
4 : self-important
Other Words from consequential Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about consequential

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Other Words from consequential

consequentiality \ ËŒkän(t)-​sÉ™-​ËŒkwen(t)-​shÄ“-​ˈa-​lÉ™-​tÄ“ How to pronounce consequentiality (audio) \ noun
consequentially \ ËŒkän(t)-​sÉ™-​ˈkwen(t)-​sh(É™-​)lÄ“ How to pronounce consequentially (audio) \ adverb
consequentialness \ ËŒkän(t)-​sÉ™-​ˈkwen(t)-​shÉ™l-​nÉ™s How to pronounce consequentialness (audio) \ noun

Synonyms for consequential

Synonyms

attendant, consequent, due (to), resultant

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Did You Know?

Consequential dates from the 17th century and can be traced back to the Latin verb consequi, meaning "to follow along." Consequi, in turn, combines the prefix con-, meaning "through" or "with," and sequi, meaning "to follow." The English words sequel, second, and suitor are among the offspring of sequi. Henry Fielding's 1728 comedy Love in Several Masques introduced the meaning of "important" to consequential, which had until that point been used primarily in the context of results. Evidence for this usage declined temporarily in the 19th century, causing its acceptability to be questioned by such commentators as H. W. Fowler; it resurfaced in the 20th century, however, and is now considered standard.

Examples of consequential in a Sentence

There have been several consequential innovations in their computer software. The change to the schedule is not consequential.

Recent Examples on the Web

 And to remember that what seems absurd can be consequential. — Margaret Sullivan, Washington Post, "Mixing troubling policy and loony distraction, Trump tries to get away with media madness," 23 Aug. 2019 Now is a time for remembering and honoring a consequential life well lived.’ … State law requires Ducey to appoint someone from McCain’s party to fill the seat. — Chris Stirewalt, Fox News, "Trump folds on flag," 27 Aug. 2018 We are taken, above all, into the mind and consequential life of Huxley. — WSJ, "Five Best: Oren Harman on Science and Literature," 5 July 2018 An oddly consequential night of preseason football, from Cam Newton’s foot injury against the Patriots to the complete botch job in Canada. — Conor Orr, SI.com, "Cam Newton’s Foot Injury, a Shortened Field in Canada and More: NFL Preseason Week 3," 23 Aug. 2019 Up Critics of Oregon’s program — for instance: those dressed in purple — are quick to note that despite the attention given to the Ducks, Cristobal and Herbert haven’t won anything consequential. — Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, "Oregon preview: Expectations high for Herbert and Cristobal, as is the pressure," 19 Aug. 2019 But far from the spotlight, the motion picture academy will soon decide a contest as consequential in its own way as an Oscars race. — Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, "At a time of transformation and tumult, the film academy prepares to elect a new president," 6 Aug. 2019 These seemingly trivial, though potentially consequential, issues arose in an action brought by Vaiula Savea against his employer YRC Inc. — Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Employer may identify itself by recorded fictitious business name on paystub," 10 June 2019 Next Thursday, the Fed will release the second, more consequential, round of results. — Lalita Clozel, WSJ, "What to Watch in the Fed’s Stress Tests," 20 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'consequential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of consequential

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for consequential

see consequent entry 1

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More Definitions for consequential

consequential

adjective
How to pronounce consequential (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of consequential

formal
: happening as a result

See the full definition for consequential in the English Language Learners Dictionary

consequential

adjective
con·​se·​quen·​tial | \ ËŒkän-si-ˈkwen-chÉ™l How to pronounce consequential (audio) \

Legal Definition of consequential

: of the nature of an indirect or secondary result

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More from Merriam-Webster on consequential

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for consequential

Spanish Central: Translation of consequential

Nglish: Translation of consequential for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of consequential for Arabic Speakers

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