constitutionality

noun

con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al·​i·​ty ˌkän(t)-stə-ˌtü-shə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce constitutionality (audio)
-ˌtyü-
: the quality or state of being constitutional
especially : accordance with the provisions of a constitution
questioned the constitutionality of the law

Examples of constitutionality in a Sentence

He questions the constitutionality of the proposed law.
Recent Examples on the Web The pending Supreme Court case, meanwhile, will decide the constitutionality of a similar federal ban on gun ownership for domestic abusers. Bill Donahue, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2024 Even if the Court avoids the realization issue by opting for a relatively narrow ruling, the decision could still raise questions about the constitutionality of any sort of wealth tax. Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Attempts to dive into income tax filings could unleash questions about the constitutionality of such a procedure. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2024 His federal and Georgia election interference cases have raised questions about the constitutionality of Trump even being on the ballot in November, while Trump has claimed his status as a former president grants him immunity from prosecution. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024 This group, including both Republicans and Democrats, has doubts about the constitutionality of taxing unrealized gains — but says that’s not what happened to the Moores. Julie Zauzmer Weil, Washington Post, 27 Nov. 2023 Yesterday saw the first oral arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the constitutionality of state laws that aim to limit the ability of social media companies to moderate content on their platforms. David Meyer, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024 In August, a federal judge blocked an Arkansas law that would have made parental consent a requirement for minors to create new social media accounts from going into effect, in a ruling that questioned the law’s constitutionality and effectiveness, the Associated Press reported. Molly Bohannon, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 The lawsuit centered around the constitutionality of the association statute. Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constitutionality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of constitutionality was in 1787

Dictionary Entries Near constitutionality

Cite this Entry

“Constitutionality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constitutionality. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

constitutionality

noun
con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al·​i·​ty ˌkän(t)-stə-ˌt(y)ü-shə-ˈnal-ət-ē How to pronounce constitutionality (audio)
: the quality or state of being in agreement with a constitution

Legal Definition

constitutionality

noun
con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al·​i·​ty ˌkän-stə-ˌtü-shə-ˈna-lə-tē, -ˌtyü- How to pronounce constitutionality (audio)
: the quality or state of being constitutional
especially : conformity with the provisions of a constitution
questioned the constitutionality of the income tax

More from Merriam-Webster on constitutionality

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