1
as in possibility
something that might happen agencies trying to provide for every contingency in a national emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2

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 Her Renaissance colleagues worked out a plan to support Fete personally and artistically while also ensuring backup for contingencies. Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025 Williams said there is a contingency of about 7% built into that figure. Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2025 While many may worry that lending financial support to their children may be crippling them or enabling them, nearly 77% of the parents surveyed do so with some kind of stipulation or contingency. Essence, 19 Sep. 2025 All-cash, no-contingency deals trade a bit of headline price for certainty, speed, and operating freedom the day after close. Lewis Schiff, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contingency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingency
Noun
  • The approach could open safer treatment possibilities for bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and viral brain infections.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The brand also introduced the Pixel Tablet in 2023, which acted like a smart display when docked, but this news is the first update about the possibility of a static device in over four years.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With the de minimis provision gone, air freight has declined around 30 percent, per Glennon.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • There were no explicit provisions or agreements with the college in either the land deal transferring the plot from college ownership to the state, nor the deal transferring the property from the state to Trump’s library foundation.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Military watchers play close attention to what North Korea chooses to show off at such events.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 9 Oct. 2025
  • CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Some states have instituted requirements for websites with adult or pornographic content to verify visitors' age before granting access, although tech experts have pointed out VPNs can be used to get around those guardrails.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • There will be 223 new apartments available altogether, once the Union at Rose Park is completed, and 165 of those will be considered affordable housing for lower-income residents, a requirement of each development's tax incremental financing.
    Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Federalists resisted demands to make ratification contingent on amendments suggested by state conventions.
    Donald Nieman, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The K-pop contingent was strong in the front row, as six-member group TWS hit the front row too, posing for fun photos with record company cohort Kim and videos of their favorite front row looks, while Meovv member Narin sat on the other side of the runway.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The study analyzed blood samples from 47 patients with severe ME/CFS and 61 healthy controls, revealing a unique pattern consistently present in patients with the condition.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Depending on the exact track and strength of the low, Coastal Flood Warning conditions may be met at some time this weekend, and users are urged to check back in on the forecast the rest of the week.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While federal officials maintain that only criminals are being targeted, local advocates and community leaders say lawful residents and families with pending cases have also been detained, deepening fears that the crackdown is casting too wide a net and eroding public trust.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Separate from the state case, federal authorities also initiated an investigation into the terrorism charges.
    Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In about half of states, agreements regarding post-placement contact are not court-enforceable, regardless of any stipulations put in writing.
    Nicole Chung, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
  • But the pro golfer only agreed to participate in the project after production agreed to his filming stipulations.
    Effie Orfanides, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contingency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingency. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contingency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!