causative
adjective
caus·a·tive
ˈkȯ-zə-tiv 
1
: effective or operating as a cause or agent
causative bacteria of cholera
causative
noun
causatively
adverb
Examples of causative in a Sentence
A virus was found to be the causative agent of smallpox.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Olympics may not actually be causative, but the needs of moving a lot of people and alleviating traffic during mass sporting events could spur the seismic jump necessary for creating an electric air taxi revolution.
—
J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2024
Experts agree that the relationship between higher HDL levels and better heart health is correlational—not causative.
—Sarah Klein, TIME, 10 July 2024
For example, studies have found that the growing trend of replacing cane sugar with synthetic or more processed alternatives may be a significant causative factor of obesity and declining health outcomes.
—Sai Balasubramanian, M.d., J.d., Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
What can, and what should, the legislature do on public safety?
Local and state leaders need to understand, as best possible, causative factors of crimes being committed.
—Charlotte Observer, 8 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for causative 
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J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2024
Experts agree that the relationship between higher HDL levels and better heart health is correlational—not causative.
—Sarah Klein, TIME, 10 July 2024
For example, studies have found that the growing trend of replacing cane sugar with synthetic or more processed alternatives may be a significant causative factor of obesity and declining health outcomes.
—Sai Balasubramanian, M.d., J.d., Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
What can, and what should, the legislature do on public safety?
Local and state leaders need to understand, as best possible, causative factors of crimes being committed.
—Charlotte Observer, 8 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for causative
Dictionary Entries Near causative
Cite this Entry
“Causative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causative. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
causative
adjective
caus·a·tive
ˈkȯ-zə-tiv
: making something happen or exist
a causative agent of disease
Legal Definition
causative
adjective
caus·a·tive
ˈkȯ-zə-tiv
1
: effective or operating as a cause
the causative negligent act
2
: causal sense 2
the causative link between stress and coronary artery disease—National Law Journal
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