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

Synonyms & Similar 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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• 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

Synonyms & Similar 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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• 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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

4

as in conditional

Synonyms & Similar 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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• 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

This year's edition is the largest yet, involving roughly 14,000 American and Philippine troops and contingents from Australia and Japan. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025

The trade had been in place since April 7, contingent upon quarterback Cam Ward going No. 1, and was kept completely under wraps until draft day. —Michael Silver, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

Adjective

Major sources of funding on which universities rely now appear to be contingent on ideological fidelity with the administration in Washington. —Mark Robison, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025

The round was contingent on the AI firm transitioning to for-profit status by the end of the year. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 5 May 2025

Phrases Containing contingent

• contingent (on or upon)