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

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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 Washington and Tokyo had formulated a missile deployment plan for a Taiwan contingency, Japan's Kyodo News said. —Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 Supply chain resilience remains a priority, emphasizing supplier collaboration, demand forecasting and contingency planning rather than structural changes like nearshoring. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025 The center provides support for mental health struggles and offers resources to cope with an encounter with ICE, like legal consultations and contingency planning. —Nanki Kaur, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025 Sources with knowledge of the situation, anonymous to protect relationships, say contingency planning has been ongoing for some time and things are in place. —Simon Johnson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 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
  • Yet there’s the possibility of a final stop along the way — Trakai Historical National Park — which revolves around a majestic 14th-century island castle.
    — Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Among the possibilities: Right-handers Michael Peterson, recalled from Triple A to take Strider’s roster spot, and Scott Blewett, acquired in a Monday trade from the Baltimore Orioles.
    — David O'Brien, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of possibility
Noun
  • With key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) set to expire at the end of this year, Washington is debating tax reform behind closed doors, and their decisions will reverberate through every corner of American life.
    — Jack Salmon, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Social Security has promised to increase benefits and make retroactive payments to people affected by the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset.
    — Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of provision
Noun
  • These events devastate local communities not just as the tragedy unfolds but in its aftermath.
    — Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Volunteering with professional organizations or at industry events is another powerful way to demonstrate your skills, initiative, and passion for your field.
    — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • Marrying Business Impact With Economics While the industry has witnessed a proliferation of smaller, specialized AI models, significant AI chip innovation remains essential to deliver the performance requirements for supporting advanced reasoning and multimodal models.
    — Maribel Lopez, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Similar requirements in the past have driven producer countries to strengthen and clarify protections against deforestation.
    — Troy Aidan Sambajon, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • The Browns contingent met with Ward and conducted their private workout two days after his pro day.
    — Zac Jackson, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • While the Heat contingent was in its hotel in Chicago, awaiting Wednesday night’s critical game against the Bulls at the United Center, Chicago was resting several key players and losing big in Cleveland.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of contingent
Noun
  • As far as the long-term effects, frequent and heavy alcohol consumption can lead to serious health conditions like liver disease, heart problems, increased cancer risk and damage to the nervous system.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The huge wealth gap fueled resentment and demands for better conditions.
    — Lauren Frayer, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of condition
Noun
  • Another case involves Venezuelan immigrants seeking hearings to contest their gang membership.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • In the case civil brought by James, Trump and his lawyers got to argue their case before the court at trial, challenging the witnesses and evidence offered by James and presenting their own witnesses and evidence.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of case
Noun
  • In victory, Trump won the right to shave McMahon’s head, which was a stipulation for the match.
    — Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Since January, Owens has had multiple matches with severe stipulations, particularly against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn, both of which are some of the best matches of the year so far.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 2025.

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