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 In his line-item veto, Gordon listed questions of constitutionality and raised concerns about providing significant funding to education savings accounts in light of Wyoming’s boom-and-bust budget cycle. USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024 The state law remains on hold, and the 5th Circuit has scheduled oral arguments April 3 to consider the law’s constitutionality. Nick Miroff, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024 The appeals court judges were considering a request by Texas to allow the law to take effect while its constitutionality is being challenged in court. J. David Goodman, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024 On Tuesday the Supreme Court cleared the way for Texas to enforce the law while its constitutionality is challenged, but hours later a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in New Orleans, issued an order preventing the law from taking effect. Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024 But no court has yet to rule definitively on the law’s constitutionality. Sarah Matusek, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Mar. 2024 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

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 29 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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