formal
: depending on something else that might or might not happen
—usually + on or upon
Our plans are contingent on the weather.
plural contingents
1
: a group of people who go to a place together, do something together, or share some quality, interest, etc.
The group that makes up the largest contingent of voters in this area is the elderly.
A contingent of reporters waited in front of the court for the defendant to appear.
2
: a group of soldiers who come from a particular army and are working together with soldiers from other armies
A British contingent was sent to assist the security forces.
Cite this Entry
“Contingent.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/contingent. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.
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