contributory

adjective

Definition of contributorynext
as in complementary

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of contributory The autopsy report later revealed that Hackman had died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease a significant contributory factor. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026 Jim Williams shared that Adam Williams’ official cause of death was atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with obesity as a contributory factor. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026 Tyson pointed to other religions' customs, like the Muslim practice of praying five times a day or Catholics attending mass, as significant contributory components to communities here on Earth. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Dec. 2025 In his 1985 report, Popplewell cited the lack of fire extinguishers or clearly signposted evacuation routes as a contributory factor, along with the locked exit gates and no one knowing who was in overall control of the matchday operation. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for contributory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contributory
  1. complementary
  2. additional
  3. further
  4. supportive
Adjective
  • The conversation in Springfield about sensible housing reforms shouldn’t end, but given there’s no time to lose, complementary ideas can help bridge the gap between now and whenever Illinois gets its act together.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • There are at least two complementary explanations underlying Hack’s law.
    — Natalie Wolchover, Quanta Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of complementary
Adjective
  • Wald said part of her review will focus on security at the establishment and whether additional measures could have prevented the violence.
    — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • New York state requires riders of all forms of e-bikes to be at least 16, and New York City imposes additional restrictions, including a 15 mph (24 kph) speed limit.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of additional
Adjective
  • Helicopters and drones have also been deployed to help battle the fire, while crews have built firebreaks to try to prevent further spread.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • He was taken to the medical tent for an immediate examination, then led back inside the practice facility for further evaluation.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of further
Adjective
  • Following the shooting, officers were seen investigating inside the Lawson House, a former YMCA that provides supportive housing to the unhoused.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Teens often describe chatbot interactions as emotionally meaningful or supportive, sometimes even preferring chatbot conversations to talking with friends.
    — Megan Kelly, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of supportive

Browse Nearby Words

contributors
contributory
contrite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contributory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contributory. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Words of the Week - Aug. 14

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All