social contract
noun
: an actual or hypothetical agreement among the members of an organized society or between a community and its ruler that defines and limits the rights and duties of each
Examples of social contract in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Electorates across the West are in revolt as the industrial era’s social contract has given way to the socioeconomic insecurity of the digital age.
—
Charles A. Kupchan, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
Although that social contract doesn’t exist anymore, older generations may still see signs of a healthy work-life balance, like leaving work at five despite a looming deadline, as fundamental shows of disrespect.
—Blair Braverman, Outside Online, 9 Dec. 2024
Input and feedback are reciprocal under this type of social contract, which means everybody improves their game.
—John Hall, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Instead, much of the latest stimulus seems aimed at shoring up the economy’s weakest points just enough to signal that the party has not abandoned its role as a good steward of the economy and remains committed to upholding its end of China’s social contract.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for social contract 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Charles A. Kupchan, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
Although that social contract doesn’t exist anymore, older generations may still see signs of a healthy work-life balance, like leaving work at five despite a looming deadline, as fundamental shows of disrespect.
—Blair Braverman, Outside Online, 9 Dec. 2024
Input and feedback are reciprocal under this type of social contract, which means everybody improves their game.
—John Hall, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Instead, much of the latest stimulus seems aimed at shoring up the economy’s weakest points just enough to signal that the party has not abandoned its role as a good steward of the economy and remains committed to upholding its end of China’s social contract.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for social contract
Dictionary Entries Near social contract
Cite this Entry
“Social contract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20contract. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share