contractual

adjective

con·​trac·​tu·​al kən-ˈtrak-chə-wəl 

-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

To meet Ellison’s 30-title threshold, there exists zero contractual language barring the studio from sending other catalogue titles — Chinatown, The Godfather, Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles — back to the multiplex in lieu of fresh product. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026

Bolton represents the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPAR), which had overseen the original adoption of the dog and claimed a contractual interest in its wellbeing. — Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Paramount Skydance’s 2025 acquisition of Paramount triggered a contractual change-of-control clause that gave the NFL an opportunity to redo its CBS deal, ahead of the league’s 2029 opt-outs in its media pacts. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Ultimately, the viability of AI compute as an asset class hinges on the specific contractual terms, ensuring cash flow outruns the hardware's working life before new generations emerge. — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for contractual

• factual
• tactual
• artifactual
• counterfactual

Kids Definition

contractual

adjective

con·​trac·​tu·​al kən-ˈtrak-chə(-wə)l 

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 

: of, relating to, or constituting a contract

a contractual agreement

contractually adverb