adjective
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of or relating to a text or texts
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based on or conforming to a text
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of textual
1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin textu ( s ) ( see text) + -al 1; replacing Middle English textuel < Middle French < Medieval Latin, as above
Explanation
Anything textual has to do with writing. A textual analysis, comparison, or interpretation, has something to do with what is in a particular piece of writing (or text). Textual comes from the Latin word textualis, the adjective form of textus, ("text"). If you see the word, it is always related to some written material. This word is most commonly used in the study of religion, literature, philosophy, or the law — any field requiring the careful examination of various texts. A textual tattoo is one that features writing instead of an image.
Vocabulary lists containing textual
Reading: Literature - Middle School
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Reading: Literature - High School
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Reading: Informational - Introductory
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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.
Yet, as Joshua Douglas writes, Alito ignores any assessment of Congress’ “results” language in his purportedly textual analysis.
From Slate • Apr. 30, 2026
When quoting from her diaries, she signals the textual change to the listener by softening her voice.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
“The courts are wearing blinders and just focusing on the plain language of the statute. It’s a textual analysis,” he says.
From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026
The New York Times analysis relies heavily on textual analysis of old emails and posts, and in particular incorrect hyphen usage and British spelling.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026
The apparent textual anomalies are artifacts, products of misreading.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
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.
