Synonyms of contingent

contingent 1 of 2

noun

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

• delegation
• team
• squad
• delegacy
• mission
• crew
• embassy
• legation
• detachment
• band
• company
• party
• gang
• outfit

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

• possibility
• event
• contingency
• case
• contingence
• eventuality
• probability
• risk
• accident
• hazard
• chance
• hap

contingent

2 of 2

adjective

1

as in random

Related Words

• random
• chance
• inadvertent
• incidental
• accidental
• fortuitous
• unconsidered
• scattered
• unplanned
• lucky
• arbitrary
• haphazard
• unintended
• unintentional
• desultory
• stray
• aimless
• unpremeditated
• casual
• slapdash
• sporadic
• spot
• flukey
• chancy
• indiscriminate
• hit-or-miss
• erratic
• fluky
• catch-as-catch-can
• shotgun
• unsystematic
• helter-skelter
• purposeless
• scattershot
• irregular
• directionless
• odd
• disorganized
• undiscriminating
• objectless
• undirected
• disorderly
• unselective

Dissimilar Words

• regular
• systematic
• regular
• fixed
• organized
• orderly
• stable
• continuous
• constant
• steady
• established
• methodical
• arranged
• systematized
• even
• set
• nonrandom
• aware
• methodic
• conscious
• planned
• deliberate
• managed
• ordered
• wilful
• thoughtful
• purposeful
• willful
• orchestrated

2

as in probable

Related Words

• probable
• practical
• likely
• acceptable
• conceivable
• plausible
• reasonable
• creditable
• viable
• feasible
• possible
• sensible
• achievable
• available
• workable
• attainable
• thinkable
• realizable
• believable
• practicable
• actionable
• doable
• useable
• usable

Dissimilar Words

• impossible
• impracticable
• unlikely
• hopeless
• unworkable
• unattainable
• improbable
• impractical
• infeasible
• unrealistic
• unfeasible
• doubtful
• dubious
• incredible
• inconceivable
• unrealizable
• nonviable
• implausible
• undoable
• useless
• unbelievable
• unviable
• futile
• ridiculous
• absurd
• vain
• outlandish
• fantastical
• fantastic
• preposterous
• far-fetched
• unthinkable

3

as in dependent

Related Words

• dependent
• relative
• reciprocal
• similar
• comparable
• correlative
• symmetric
• commensurate
• proportional
• symmetrical
• akin
• proportionate
• balanced
• commensurable

Dissimilar Words

• disproportionate
• irregular
• asymmetric
• twisted
• distorted
• asymmetrical
• unbalanced
• lopsided
• nonsymmetrical
• unsymmetrical

4

as in conditional

Related Words

• conditional
• qualified
• limited
• tentative
• transitory
• ephemeral
• short-range
• fleeting
• transitional
• terminate
• intermediate
• short-lived
• terminable
• intermediary
• fugitive
• makeshift
• expedient
• replaceable
• proxy
• acting
• short-term
• improvised
• provisional
• substitute
• alternate
• interim
• temporary
• impermanent
• provisionary
• provisory
• ad interim

Dissimilar Words

• permanent
• final
• long-term
• fixed
• settled
• unconditional
• unlimited
• unqualified
• set
• standing
• extended
• lasting
• eternal
• long-range
• perpetual
• enduring
• immortal
• everlasting
• endless
• unending
• undying
• timeless
• deathless
• dateless

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

Recent Examples of contingent

Noun

The company made purchase offers on the site, near a We Energies power plant in neighboring Oak Creek, and those were contingent on the land being rezoned. —Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 9 Oct. 2025

Any full Israeli withdrawal would be contingent upon Hamas giving up its weapons and an international security force being in place to oversee the process. —Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025

Adjective

Alejandro Garnacho One of the reasons Garnacho wanted to join Chelsea this summer is the strong Argentine contingent at Stamford Bridge. —Chris McKenna, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025

Israel and the war in Gaza have split both the MAGA contingent and America more broadly, while Kirk’s death has highlighted divisions in the country and raised concerns about political violence. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025

Phrases Containing contingent

• contingent (on or upon)