contingency

noun

kən-ˈtin-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce contingency (audio)
Definition of contingencynext
1
as in possibility
something that might happen agencies trying to provide for every contingency in a national emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in provision
something upon which the carrying out of an agreement or offer depends an offer to buy the house, with the contingency that it pass inspection

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun contingency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contingency are crisis, emergency, exigency, juncture, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

In what contexts can crisis take the place of contingency?

The meanings of crisis and contingency largely overlap; however, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

When is emergency a more appropriate choice than contingency?

While in some cases nearly identical to contingency, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When might exigency be a better fit than contingency?

The synonyms exigency and contingency are sometimes interchangeable, but exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

When could juncture be used to replace contingency?

The words juncture and contingency can be used in similar contexts, but juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

How does the word pinch relate to other synonyms for contingency?

Pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

How are the words strait and straits related as synonyms of contingency?

Strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of contingency The war between Russia and Ukraine is not perfectly analogous to contingencies that the United States may face in the future, and not every lesson in Ukraine is applicable to U.S. military planning, but this war is nonetheless full of instructive technological innovations and breakthroughs. —Jon Finer, Foreign Affairs, 7 July 2025 Lawmakers from oil-producing and working-class districts are already calling for more transparency and contingency planning. —Californians For Energy Independence, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2025 Obviously, the big contingency is what happens with hurricane season. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025 Arsenal’s exploration of an Eze deal may be an intelligent contingency in case things don’t go to plan on Nwaneri. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for contingency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingency
  1. possibility
  2. provision
  3. event
  4. requirement
  5. contingent
  6. condition
  7. case
  8. stipulation
Noun
  • Indianapolis City-County Council members are also discussing the possibility of fines and mandatory parenting classes for parents and guardians whose children repeatedly violate the new rules.
    — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 14 July 2025
  • Others wanted to consider the possibility of technological advancements.
    — Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Definition of possibility
Noun
  • That's in addition to the provisions about immediacy, burden of proof and discussions among doctors and patients.
    — Olivia Aldridge, NPR, 19 July 2025
  • Ozturk's visa was revoked under a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act that allows the government to revoke a visa for any reason, Armstrong testified.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 18 July 2025
Definition of provision
Noun
  • At the end of the day, Brown and the event participants and attendees agreed the summit was a success.
    — Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 21 July 2025
  • Crashing out can stem from big or small stressors, and are likely to occur in those who do not have developed coping skills, are under a lot of stress, or experience emotional dysregulation (being unable to control and cope with life’s negative events).
    — Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 20 July 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • Such a propellant is already proven and is well-suited for the extreme conditions of space and meets current planetary protection requirements.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 July 2025
  • Hegseth wrote in the letter that the move would not negatively affect military training, operations, readiness, or any other military requirements, per NJ Spotlight News.
    — Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • With 38-year-old Yaz now playing first base, Carlton Fisk behind the dish, and a legendary outfield contingent in Jim Rice, Fred Lynn, Dwight Evans and Bernie Carbo, Red triumphed over White twice that day.
    — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 20 July 2025
  • Denver’s sideline contingent Court-side seats were mostly vacant on Thursday when the Nuggets opened Summer League play against Milwaukee.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Definition of contingent
Noun
  • Farrer acknowledged challenging economic conditions and trade uncertainties but expressed confidence in the company's long-term success.
    — Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • For viewing in daylight conditions, look for projectors with high lumens and consider shading your area with a canopy or umbrella to minimize the sunlight.
    — Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025
Definition of condition
Noun
  • In any case, Reed, who has learned how to teleport an egg, comes up with a plan to teleport the entire planet and everyone on it to a totally different star system.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The lower chamber of the Philippine Congress received at least four separate cases of impeachment against the Vice President between December and February—though only one was transferred to the Senate, which would have served as the impeachment tribunal.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 25 July 2025
Definition of case
Noun
  • The Street Fight stipulation opens the door for Rodriguez’s fellow Judgment Day members to help her win, which will keep Ripley looking strong even in defeat.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • The stipulation, which Gerson said is atypical, suggests that the developer and its lender have agreed to work toward a resolution over the 65-day period.
    — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
Definition of stipulation

Browse Nearby Words

contingencies
contingency
contingent
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Cite this Entry

“Contingency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingency. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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