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

Shanahan is under the 49ers’ contractual control through 2028. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026

The focus should be on ensuring contractual commitments regarding fan access and entry are fulfilled rather than abandoning participation. —Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026

The judge was absolutely incredulous about the contractual argument and the independent, dictatorial authority of the president. —Liz Crawford, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026

Courts can be skeptical of contractual relationships where there is no opportunity for bargaining, especially when there is a sizable imbalance in power like with a famed college coach and student players. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Jan. 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

• artifactual
• counterfactual
• factual
• tactual

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