contract

/ˈkɒntɹækt/noun

A formal agreement, usually written, in which two or more parties promise to carry out specific work or duties.

Example sentences

“She signed a two-year contract with the design firm.”
“Read the contract carefully before you sign anything.”

As a verb, stressed on the second syllable, it means to shrink or to catch an illness: metals contract, and people contract the flu.

Synonyms for contract

agreement
deal
pact

On the Academic Word List. Find it in: Academic vocabulary.

Related words

constrictTo make something narrower or tighter, especially by squeezing.expandTo make something grow from a smaller size or form into a larger one; to open out or spread.freelanceWorking for several different clients on separate jobs instead of being employed full-time by one company.officeA room or building where people work at desks, often doing business or administrative tasks.clientA person or business that pays someone for goods or a service.teamworkThe joint effort of a group of people working together toward a shared goal.