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.
The University of Mississippi has a responsibility to enforce its contractual terms, and this position is consistent with the actions of other institutions in the current landscape of college athletics. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026 Thorough vetting, clear contractual language prohibiting offensive actions and ongoing oversight are essential safeguards against the very abuses illustrated above. — David Niccolini, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 In the suit, WBD accuses Amazon of intentional interference with contractual relations; inducing breach of contract; intentional interference with prospective economic advantage; and unfair competition in violation of California law. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 24 July 2026 Traditional attitudes towards work also discouraged employees from taking holidays, as holidays were seen as a kind of privilege rather than a contractual right, Brown adds. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 July 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 6 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on contractual

Nglish: Translation of contractual for Spanish Speakers

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