stipulation

noun

stip·​u·​la·​tion ˌsti-pyə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: an act of stipulating

2

: something stipulated

especially : a condition, requirement, or item specified in a legal instrument

stipulatory

ˈsti-pyə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• provision
• requirement
• condition
• exception
• proviso
• contingency

Examples of stipulation in a Sentence

We agreed to the deal with the stipulation that she pay the expenses herself.

their proposal for a baseball franchise includes several stipulations that are unacceptable

Recent Examples on the Web

More than a few times in that TV role, Long booked Punk in various matches, reprimanded him for on-television actions, or set up stipulations for his matches against opponents. —Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

As part of a stipulation, six counts were dismissed. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025

The one stipulation — no phones. —New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

In about half of states, agreements regarding post-placement contact are not court-enforceable, regardless of any stipulations put in writing. —Nicole Chung, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stipulation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

stipulation

noun

stip·​u·​la·​tion ˌstip-yə-ˈlā-shən 

: something required as part of an agreement

Legal Definition

stipulation

noun

stip·​u·​la·​tion ˌsti-pyə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: an act of stipulating

2

: something stipulated: as

a

: an agreement between parties regarding some aspect of a legal proceeding

a stipulation of facts

admitted the charges in a prehearing stipulation

—New York Law Journal

b

: a condition, requirement, or item specified in a legal instrument

specifically : stipulation pour autrui