contributory
adjective
con·trib·u·to·ry
kən-ˈtri-byə-ˌtȯr-ē 
1
: of, relating to, or forming a contribution : playing a part in bringing about an end or result
The lack of cultural empathy among the principal statesmen in the late 1930s is identified as an important contributory factor in the slide toward war …—
Colin S. Gray
Colin S. GrayInfection was a contributory but not primary cause of death in another nine patients.—Graeme F. Washer
Graeme F. Washer2
: relating to or being an employee benefit (such as a retirement account) that is funded at least in part by employee contributions
a contributory 401(k) plan
3
: subject to or contributing to a common fund or enterprise : subject to levy or furnishing a share or contingent
contributory allies
Examples of contributory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The oil and gas companies can raise a contributory negligence defense on two fronts.
—Ed Hirs, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024
The broken arm was listed as a contributory cause of death, after complications of Alzheimer's dementia, cardiovascular disease and emphysema.
—Caitlin McGlade, The Arizona Republic, 28 Aug. 2023
Environmental heat exposure was a contributory cause.
—Carolyn Kormann, The New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2023
There are quite a few contributory forums and panels which are helping Governments ultimately write the regulations.
—Sriram Bhargav Madhav, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2023
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Ed Hirs, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024
The broken arm was listed as a contributory cause of death, after complications of Alzheimer's dementia, cardiovascular disease and emphysema.
—Caitlin McGlade, The Arizona Republic, 28 Aug. 2023
Environmental heat exposure was a contributory cause.
—Carolyn Kormann, The New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2023
There are quite a few contributory forums and panels which are helping Governments ultimately write the regulations.
—Sriram Bhargav Madhav, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for contributory
Dictionary Entries Near contributory
Cite this Entry
“Contributory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contributory. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
contributory
adjective
con·trib·u·to·ry
kən-ˈtrib-yə-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-ē
: serving to contribute
especially
: helping to accomplish a result
Legal Definition
contributory
adjective
con·trib·u·to·ry
kən-ˈtri-byə-ˌtōr-ē
1
: characterized by or making contributions to a common fund or enterprise
specifically
: of, relating to, or being an employee benefit plan to which both employers and employees make contributions
2
: helping to bring about an end or result
contributory infringement
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