contractual

adjective

con·​trac·​tu·​al kən-ˈtrak-chə-wəl How to pronounce contractual (audio)
-chəl, 
-shwəl, 
-chü-əl
: of, relating to, or constituting a contract
contractually adverb

Examples of contractual in a Sentence

They had to fulfill their contractual obligations before they could get paid.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leaders also need to understand demand patterns, contractual commitments, supplier exposure and the business outcomes associated with that consumption. — Prajkta Waditwar, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Leonard faces the comparatively lesser punishment of a $700,000 fine, with no contractual forfeiture or suspension. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Teamsters Local 332 President Dan Glass said a key issue for the union in bargaining is coming to a contractual agreement on nurse-to-patient ratios. — Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The creator gets paid either via a contractual agreement or a cut of sales generated. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contractual

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin contractuālis, from Latin contractu-, stem of contractus contract entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contractual was in 1827

Rhymes for contractual

See All Rhymes for contractual

Browse Nearby Words

contract theory
contractual
contractual liability insurance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contractual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contractual. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

contractual

adjective
con·​trac·​tu·​al kən-ˈtrak-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce contractual (audio)
kän-, 
-ˈtraksh-wəl
: of, relating to, or being a contract
contractual agreements
contractually
-ē
adverb

Legal Definition

contractual

adjective
con·​trac·​tu·​al kən-ˈtrak-chə-wəl How to pronounce contractual (audio)
: of, relating to, or constituting a contract
a contractual agreement
contractually adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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