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

Several other states have reported Hardee’s closures over the past few months amid ARC Burger, one of its largest franchisees, allegedly failing to pay its contractual obligations to the corporation. — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026

If voted out, LSU could explore suing the conference on multiple grounds, including breach of contract and tortious interference with contractual relations, and seek many millions of dollars in damages. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Investigators will also look at the contractual relationship between Amazon and 21 Air. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026

Leaders also need to understand demand patterns, contractual commitments, supplier exposure and the business outcomes associated with that consumption. — Prajkta Waditwar, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 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