contingent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of contingentnext
1
as in delegation
a body of persons chosen as representatives of a larger group the local Scout troop traditionally sends a large contingent to the jamboree

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in possibility
something that might happen officials in charge of managing the national emergency tried to prepare for every contingent, no matter how improbable

Synonyms & Similar Words

contingent

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in random

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
2
as in probable

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
3
as in relative

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
4
as in conditional

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective contingent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contingent are accidental, casual, and fortuitous. While all these words mean "not amenable to planning or prediction," contingent suggests possibility of happening but stresses uncertainty and dependence on other future events for existence or occurrence.

the contingent effects of the proposed law

When could accidental be used to replace contingent?

The synonyms accidental and contingent are sometimes interchangeable, but accidental stresses chance.

any resemblance to actual persons is entirely accidental

When would casual be a good substitute for contingent?

While the synonyms casual and contingent are close in meaning, casual stresses lack of real or apparent premeditation or intent.

a casual encounter with a stranger

When might fortuitous be a better fit than contingent?

Although the words fortuitous and contingent have much in common, fortuitous so strongly suggests chance that it often connotes entire absence of cause.

a series of fortuitous events

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 contingent
Noun
There was the artistry of the Japanese skaters, the high-flying aerial acrobatics of the American contingent and one of the most emotional moments of the entire Winter Games. —Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 After canceling their morning skate on Saturday, the Finns took the ice six hours later with a full 22-player contingent. —John Wawrow, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Conditional Approval Requires Safety Management Review The Seoul Metropolitan Government's approval is contingent on HYBE passing a safety management review. —Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 This decision could be contingent on who becomes the defensive coordinator. —Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contingent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingent
  1. delegation
  2. possibility
  3. random
  4. probable
  5. relative
  6. conditional
  7. event
  8. practical
Noun
  • The key question that Wang and his delegation may be probing at Munich is how deeply Europe is listening to its broader pitch.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Now firmly established as both a premier service destination and a rising industry hub, Morocco is looking outward, fielding major delegations at platforms such as Venice Production Bridge and this year’s EFM to connect a new generation of filmmakers directly to the global market.
    — Ben Croll, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of delegation
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
Definition of possibility
Adjective
  • Instead, a suitcase and a random assortment of clothes disappeared along with her.
    — Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026
  • PlayStation consoles rely on a type of dynamic random access memory, or DRAM, chips, which are in short supply as demand from artificial intelligence and data center operators increases.
    — Dylan Butts, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of random
Adjective
  • As major league owners meet this week to plot strategy, the powers that be will consider the probable push for a salary cap.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • However, the evidence points to the latter as being the probable origin.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of probable
Adjective
  • Emma Schubart, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, warned that specialized NHS outreach risks normalizing close-relative relationships.
    — Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • This would be an unprecedented change in Oakland, where critics say the mayor’s relative lack of legislative authority has driven divisions in the local government, including political fights and budget standoffs.
    — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of relative
Adjective
  • Several long-standing vaccines, including flu and meningitis shots, were suddenly shifted into a conditional category.
    — Josh M. Shepherd, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Is my life here, as an American, after all, merely conditional?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of conditional
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
Definition of event
Adjective
  • However, the expert warned that focusing on combat performance could push robot development away from typical industrial or service uses, because fighting requires extreme, short bursts of high-impact movement rather than steady, practical operation.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Daytrip Snack Boxes and the LoadOut GoBox are durable, practical upgrades for lunches, beach days, poolside drinks and gear storage.
    — Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of practical

Phrases Containing contingent

Browse Nearby Words

contingency
contingent
contingent (on or upon)
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Cite this Entry

“Contingent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingent. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on contingent

Nglish: Translation of contingent for Spanish Speakers

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