Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

contribute

American  
[kuhn-trib-yoot] / kənˈtrɪb yut /

verb (used with object)

contributed, contributing
  1. to give (money, time, knowledge, assistance, etc.) to a common supply, fund, etc., as for charitable purposes.

    Synonyms:
    donate, furnish, provide
  2. to furnish (an original written work, drawing, etc.) for publication.

    to contribute stories to a magazine.


verb (used without object)

contributed, contributing
  1. to give to a common supply, fund, etc..

    He contributes to many charities.

  2. to furnish written works, drawings, etc., for publication.

    Our thanks to those who contributed to our alumni newsletter.

  3. to be an important factor; help to cause something.

    A sudden downpour contributed to the traffic jam.

contribute British  
/ kənˈtrɪbjuːt /

verb

  1. to give (support, money, etc) for a common purpose or fund

  2. to supply (ideas, opinions, etc) as part of a debate or discussion

  3. (intr) to be partly instrumental (in) or responsible (for)

    drink contributed to the accident

  4. to write (articles) for a publication

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • contributable adjective
  • contributive adjective
  • contributively adverb
  • contributiveness noun
  • noncontributable adjective
  • noncontributing adjective
  • noncontributive adjective
  • noncontributiveness noun
  • overcontribute verb
  • precontribute verb (used with object)
  • uncontributed adjective
  • uncontributing adjective
  • uncontributive adjective
  • uncontributiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of contribute

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin contribūtus, past participle of contribuēre “to bring together”; con-, tribute

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Consumer spending generally contributes about 70% of gross domestic product and has been a significant driver of economic growth in recent years.

From Barron's

These discoveries may also contribute to broader research in protein prediction and design.

From Science Daily

“For more than a century, Chevron’s presence in Venezuela has focused on safely producing energy, supporting jobs, and contributing to economic stability that benefits both the Venezuelan people and U.S. energy security,” the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Several performers and productions pulled out of scheduled appearances at the venue in protest of the changes, contributing to broader tensions within the arts community.

From Salon

NTS said the tenancy would suit "resourceful and enthusiastic" people who were already experienced in crofting, and have a trade or could contribute to the isle's knitwear industry.

From BBC