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.
During internal discussions at the time, Kavanagh alleged that Sky’s pursuit of Bake Off was a conflict of interest because the broadcaster was privy to contractual arrangements with Channel 4, including the funding agreement and talent deals. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026 The way through is the same as with any critical vendor—demand contractual continuity, genuine data portability and a clean exit path. — Serhii Zakharov, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Plus, the use of smart contracts can automate certain aspects of escrow, meaning that funds only get transferred when specific contractual conditions are met. — K.h. Koehler, Ascend Agency, 6 Aug. 2026 The company said the buyout provides full continuity of its business and existing client teams and contractual commitments as well as performance guarantees. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 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 8 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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