Definition of contingent
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: dependent on or conditioned by something else
Payment is contingent on fulfillment of certain conditions. a plan contingent on the weather
2
: likely but not certain to happen : possible
4a
: happening by chance or unforeseen causes
b
: subject to chance or unseen effects : unpredictable
c
: intended for use in circumstances not completely foreseen
contingent funds
5
: not necessitated : determined by free choice
contingent
nounDefinition of contingent (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: a representative group : delegation, detachment
a diplomatic contingent
2
: something contingent (see contingent entry 1) : contingency
Test Your Vocabulary
Which Word Does Not Belong?
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share contingent
Time Traveler for contingent
The first known use of contingent was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century