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.

Depression remains a major global health challenge, affecting more than 280 million people worldwide and contributing significantly to disability.

From Science Daily

Walking or biking to work, along with everyday activities such as gardening or cleaning, can also contribute.

From Science Daily

If Elliott’s purchase is allowed by the courts, and by federal sanctions officials, then the fund manager will contribute about a third of the $5.9 billion price.

From Barron's

If Elliott’s purchase is allowed by the courts, and by federal sanctions officials, then the fund manager will contribute about a third of the $5.9 billion price.

From Barron's

Tyler Higbee is off injured reserve after an ankle injury and contributing again for a Rams tight ends group that is poised to cause issues for opposing defenses.

From Los Angeles Times