What type of contract is characterized by actions rather than words?

An implied contract is characterized by actions, conduct, or the circumstances of the parties involved rather than by explicit words or written agreements. This type of contract arises when parties engage in behaviors that clearly indicate a mutual agreement, even in the absence of a formal statement. For instance, when a person visits a restaurant and orders food, it can be inferred that they agree to pay for the meal, constituting an implied contract based on their actions of ordering and consuming the food.

In contrast, an express contract involves clear and explicit terms either spoken or written, where the intentions of the parties are defined with certainty. A bilateral contract requires mutual promises between parties, creating obligations on both sides, while a unilateral contract involves a promise made by one party that another party can accept through specific actions. Each of these types relies more heavily on explicit agreements rather than inferred agreements based on actions. Hence, the characteristics of an implied contract make it the most suitable choice for a contract characterized by actions.