adjective
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of or relating to money or currency
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of or relating to monetarism
a monetary policy
Synonym Usage
See financial.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of monetary
First recorded in 1660–70; from Late Latin monētārius “pertaining to the mint”; see money, -ary
Explanation
If it has to do with money or currency, it’s monetary, like your childhood toy collection that has no monetary value, but you love it nonetheless. The adjective monetary is related to a Latin word that means “mint,” which is not just a refreshing gum or ice cream flavor but, in this case, where money is made. Anything that pertains to money can be described as monetary, like a country whose monetary system consists of metal coins of different denominations or an antiques expert who can tell you the monetary value of the old things in our attic.
Vocabulary lists containing monetary
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "M"
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Geography and World Regions
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The sharp decline in bank lending to businesses since May suggests the tightening in monetary policy is having some impact on economic activity, and particularly on investment.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026
Previous crude-oil shocks since World War II often preceded U.S. recessions, in part because monetary policy adjusted and tightened financial conditions to help control inflation.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 20, 2026
China’s loan prime rates will be in focus Monday as investors look for signs of further monetary support for the economy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
Goolsbee says he’s watching both the details and the overall rate of inflation to guide monetary policy.
From Barron's
People around the world heard about the jailed children and sent monetary donations to help pay their bail.
From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
