psychological

adjective

psy·​cho·​log·​i·​cal ˌsī-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce psychological (audio)
variants or less commonly psychologic
ˌsī-kə-ˈlä-jik How to pronounce psychological (audio)
Synonyms of psychologicalnext
1
a
: of or relating to psychology
psychological research
b
: of, relating to, or occurring in the mind : mental
psychological distress
psychological disorders
2
: directed toward, influencing, or acting on the mind especially in relation to an individual's willpower or behavioral motivation
psychological warfare
psychological strategies
psychologically
ˌsī-kə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce psychological (audio)
adverb
Since losing its Winston Cup [NASCAR] races, the town of North Wilkesboro has suffered economically and psychologically. —Derek H. Alderman et al.
To gas light is to psychologically manipulate a person to the point where they question their own sanity … —Lauren Duca

Synonyms of psychological

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Examples of psychological in a Sentence

a psychological rather than a physical condition suffered from psychological disorders all of his life
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.
Exile extends that moment and explores its ongoing psychological consequences. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 The moment makes perfect psychological and dramatic sense, but the confrontation needs a few more beats than Daniel allows. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Ezra Acayan / Getty Images Children in Nuwakot and ​Rasuwa areas are increasingly showing signs of psychological distress after witnessing the fury of the flood last week, international charity Save the Children said in a statement. — Reuters, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026 The psychological thriller, which Zeller wrote, produced and directed, follows the emotional and moral challenges faced by a couple in an increasingly uncertain world. — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for psychological

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychological was circa 1787

Phrases Containing psychological

Rhymes for psychological

See All Rhymes for psychological

Browse Nearby Words

psycholinguistics
psychological
psychological act
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Psychological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychological. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

psychological

adjective
psy·​cho·​log·​i·​cal ˌsī-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce psychological (audio)
variants also psychologic
-ˈläj-ik How to pronounce psychological (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to psychology
psychological research
b
: of, relating to, or occurring in the mind : mental
psychological distress
psychological disorders
2
: meant to influence the will or mind
psychological warfare
psychologically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce psychological (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

psychological

adjective
psy·​cho·​log·​i·​cal ˌsī-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce psychological (audio)
variants also psychologic
-ik How to pronounce psychological (audio)
1
a
: relating to, characteristic of, directed toward, influencing, arising in, or acting through the mind especially in its affective or cognitive functions
psychological phenomena
the psychological aspects of a problem
b
: directed toward, influencing, or acting on the mind especially in relation to an individual's willpower or behavioral motivation
psychological warfare
2
: relating to, concerned with, deriving from, or used in psychology
psychological research
psychological tests
a psychological clinic
psychologically
-ē
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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