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.
Other expenses, contractual commitments and future capacity needs will also shape returns. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026 Every business has to at least now consider, as standard risk management, how Musk could conceivably throttle vital Starlink service despite prior contractual agreements. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 Sacramento’s contractual targets are at least 80% graduation and placement of at least 75% of program completers into full-time employment within 180 days. — Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026 The two sides have been involved in opposing legal actions over contractual control, outside collaborations, releases, touring agreements, royalties and creative independence. — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 18 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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
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