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 The call focused on contingency planning ahead of the end of August deadline for a nuclear deal and explored how best to manage the snapback timeline before Russia assumes the rotating UN Security Council presidency in October. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025 Maersk also noted that current diversion plans and contingencies for cargo from Haifa are actively being finalized on a case-by-case basis. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 26 June 2025 She was told explicitly her signature was required as a contingency in the event that the election flipped to Trump. —Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 12 July 2025 Most importantly, your strategy should clearly delineate expectations, accountability, performance measures and contingencies across all aspects of the business. —Sherre Demao, Forbes.com, 9 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
  • Buried in the July 4 tax overhaul, formally titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was a provision that’s quickly catching the attention of CFOs and business owners across industries: the full return of 100% bonus depreciation.
    — Karla Dennis, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • That provision was repealed earlier this year as part of a sweeping immigration bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
    — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 30 July 2025
Definition of provision
Noun
  • Kicking off the events is the HaRUNbee 5K Run/Walk for Healthy Birth Outcomes on Saturday, Aug. 2.
    — La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • More Tim Heitman/Getty Images His result at this event gave Charlie 80 points toward the Junior Ryder Cup team's qualifying ranking, bringing his total to 455.
    — Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • The reasons for dropping these new tax disclosure requirements appear to be self-serving for large multinational corporations who might wish to keep this information confidential.
    — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • What are the eligibility requirements to run for governor in Tennessee?
    — Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 1 Aug. 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
  • The system adjusted automatically to changing weather conditions and energy prices—and cut both energy costs and carbon emissions by 15 to 20 percent.
    — Gabriel René, IEEE Spectrum, 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 Patient’s Friends Hospital overflows with parents bringing in scrawny children – 200 to 300 cases a day, said Soboh.
    — Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025
Definition of case
Noun
  • The stipulation is one of the terms of the Deferred Prosecution Agreement that was reached.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2025
  • The one stipulation that Olney reported was that the Royals were unwilling to part with the core of their pitching staff.
    — Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 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 4 Aug. 2025.

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