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
In his 1985 report, Popplewell cited the lack of fire extinguishers or clearly signposted evacuation routes as a contributory factor, along with the locked exit gates and no one knowing who was in overall control of the matchday operation.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
The news comes in the wake of health officials announcing that Arakawa died at 65 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare condition that comes from contact with rodents, and Hackman subsequently died at 95 from heart disease, with Alzheimer's as a significant contributory factor.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Alzheimer’s disease was a significant contributory factor in Hackman’s death.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 8 Mar. 2025
Heat stress was listed as a contributory factor to her death.
—Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 31 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for contributory
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Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
The news comes in the wake of health officials announcing that Arakawa died at 65 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare condition that comes from contact with rodents, and Hackman subsequently died at 95 from heart disease, with Alzheimer's as a significant contributory factor.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Alzheimer’s disease was a significant contributory factor in Hackman’s death.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 8 Mar. 2025
Heat stress was listed as a contributory factor to her death.
—Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 31 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for contributory
Cite this Entry
“Contributory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contributory. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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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