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 of stipulation

• 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

In January, the Oakley Planning Commission gave the project the green light, with a stipulation that a conditional use permit be required for data centers to operate on the property. —Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026

The official had little sympathy for Amodei’s position, which all but explicitly stated that his arbitrary contractual stipulations were the only acceptable bulwark against government impunity. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026

The stipulations continue, buried in the fine print. —Julie Carr Smyth, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026

But the free service stipulation is briefly mentioned in the settlement agreement, which was filed today. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026

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