Definition of contingencenext
as in possibility
something that might happen the collapse of that nation's economy was one contingence that the architects of the war hadn't planned on

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 contingence The team had a strong veteran contingence, but none of those veterans had anyone to lead them. Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press, 24 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingence
Noun
  • How come this outcome or set of outcomes occurred, as opposed to any other possibility?
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
  • There’s a possibility that Takaichi is going to move very aggressively.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The event will, in particular, monitor several metrics, including motion control, dynamic balance, and impact resistance.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Both mishaps were unfortunate events as medals have been hard to come by through the early days of the Winter Olympics.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That attorney is now pursuing the case on a contingency basis, meaning the family does not pay unless there is a recovery.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Drummond’s office said the state’s outside attorneys are working on a contingency basis, so no fees will be paid unless the state recovers something through a judgment or settlement.
    Paul Monies, Oklahoma Watch, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The mysterious case of a chain-saw-wielding vandal who appeared to randomly terrorize trees in and around downtown Los Angeles last year has come to an anticlimactic close.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Lewis, executive director of Community Center for Immigrants, had just received an update on his case the night before.
    Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contingence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingence. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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