adj
Common
judicial
joo-DIH-shuhl
Judicial (adj) means relating to courts of law, judges, or the administration of justice. Example: “The judicial system depends on judges who treat everyone fairly.”
adj
1
Relating to courts of law, judges, or the administration of justice.
"The judicial system depends on judges who treat everyone fairly."
"The case is now under judicial review."
"She has served in the judicial branch for over a decade."
How to use judicial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving to do with courts, judges, and the legal system.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "judicious," which means "showing good judgment" — a judicial decision is one made by a court; a judicious decision is simply a wise one.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
judicial branch
judicial review
judicial system
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more judicial
- Superlative
- most judicial
Fill the gap
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The _____ system depends on judges who treat everyone fairly.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin iudicialis, related to iudex ("judge").
Synonyms
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legal
forensic
juristic
magisterial
discriminative
judicatory
judiciary
juridic
juridical
juridicial
justiciary
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for judicial
See all rhymes for judicial →Frequently asked questions
What does “judicial” mean?
The word “judicial” means relating to courts of law, judges, or the administration of justice. In plain terms, having to do with courts, judges, and the legal system.
How do you pronounce “judicial”?
“Judicial” is pronounced joo-DIH-shuhl (/d͡ʒuˈdɪʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “judicial” in a sentence?
Here is “judicial” used in a sentence: “The case is now under judicial review.”
What is another word for “judicial”?
Words with a similar meaning to “judicial” include judicatory, judiciary, juridic, juridical, juridicial and justiciary.
What is the opposite of “judicial”?
The opposite of “judicial” — its antonyms — are extrajudicial, injudicial, nonjudicial, nonjuridical and unjudicial.
What part of speech is “judicial”?
“Judicial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “judicial” come from?
The word “judicial” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin iudicialis, related to iudex ("judge").
Is “judicial” a common word?
“Judicial” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "judicial" and "judicious"?
"Judicial" relates to courts of law, judges, and the justice system. "Judicious" means showing good judgement or wise, careful decision-making, and has nothing directly to do with courts, so the two are easily confused but not interchangeable.
What is the difference between "judicial" and "legal"?
"Legal" relates to law in general, including anything permitted or required by law. "Judicial" is narrower, referring specifically to courts, judges, and the administration of justice.
What is the difference between "judicial" and "judiciary"?
"Judicial" is an adjective describing something connected to courts and judges, as in "judicial review." "Judiciary" is usually a noun referring to the branch of government made up of the courts and judges as a whole.
What words commonly follow "judicial"?
Common phrases include "judicial system," "judicial review," "judicial branch," "judicial proceedings," and "judicial decision." These describe parts and functions of the courts.
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