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

The private astronaut mission agreements include contractual deliverables that providers must submit for NASA’s review. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 10 Nov. 2026

Karoline Borwieck, the lawyer representing DUH in the proceedings, also said in the statement that the group wants the Chinese company to sign a cease-and-desist declaration backed by a contractual penalty. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026

In its response, the museum said that the severance did not qualify as earned wages under state law because payment was contingent on McDuffie fulfilling her contractual obligations. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 Nov. 2026

Freeder and Kitchens, who were unaware of the wording of the contractual agreement, scoffed at the idea that the poll was neutral in its questions or its goals. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 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