Contract Glossary
Amendment
Definition
An amendment changes the existing terms of a contract. You're not adding new stuff — you're rewriting what's already there. A pay raise, a shifted deadline, a new pricing structure — those are amendments.
In Practice
Your lease says rent is $2,200/month. Your landlord agrees to drop it to $1,900/month if you extend for another year. You draft an amendment that changes the rent amount and the end date. Both of you sign it. The rest of the lease stays the same — only the amended terms change. In practice, amendments are how contracts evolve without starting from scratch. A freelance project where the scope grows by 30%? Amend the SOW and the payment schedule. A services agreement where the delivery timeline shifts? Amend the milestone dates. The amendment should reference the original contract by name and date, clearly state which clauses are being changed, provide the new language, and require signatures from all parties. Keep a clean paper trail — amendments that contradict each other or the original agreement create disputes.
Example Clause
This Agreement may not be amended, modified, or supplemented except by a written instrument signed by authorized representatives of both Parties. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any other provision, nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided.
Common in these contract types
Related terms
Related contract clauses
Related articles
Best Free Contract Templates for Small Businesses in 2026
Find the best free contract templates for small businesses. Covers NDAs, freelance agreements, leases, service contracts, and more — with what to look for in each template and where to get them.
Business Partnership Agreement: What Every Co-Founder Must Include
Starting a business with a partner without a partnership agreement is the most expensive mistake founders make. Here are the clauses that prevent it.
How to Write a Service Agreement That Actually Protects You
Most service agreements protect the wrong things. Here is how to write one that covers the gaps that actually cause disputes.
Frequently asked questions about amendment
It depends on the contract. Many contracts have a 'no oral modifications' clause that requires all changes to be in writing. Even without that clause, proving a verbal amendment in court is an uphill battle. Get it in writing — always.
Create a contract with proper amendment clauses
Generate a professional contract in minutes with all the essential clauses — no legal expertise needed.
Create your contractThis content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For contracts with significant financial or legal implications, review by a qualified attorney is recommended.