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 BofA study found that more than half of prospective homebuyers prefer to turn to a human for things like tours and legal or contractual advice. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 28 June 2026 That means credit card balances may continue accruing interest at the account's contractual annual percentage rate. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Members who have followed our coverage of Linde may recognize a similar dynamic, as the company also utilizes contractual energy cost pass-through clauses. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 24 June 2026 Host cities, many of whom already feel burned by the scale of costs associated with preparing for the World Cup, have taken a very literal interpretation of the contractual obligations. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 23 June 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 7 Jul. 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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