Search Dictionary
Definition of referential

referential

/ˌrɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/
ref · er · en · tial
Adverb:referentially
JUMP TO:

referential Lexical Profile

referential Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Of, relating to, or containing a reference or allusion to something else.

Example

"The novel is full of referential humor that rewards readers familiar with nineteenth-century literature."

2

In linguistics and philosophy, denoting the relationship between a word or expression and the external entity or concept it identifies.

Example

"Children acquire the referential function of nouns early on as they learn to label familiar objects in their environment."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for referential
Antonyms
View all antonyms for referential

• Rhymes for referential

• Nearby Words

referee
reference
referendum
referential
referral
referrer
refight

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from the noun 'reference' plus the adjectival suffix '-ial', ultimately tracing back to the Latin verb 'referre' ('to carry back').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Referential. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/referential
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.