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

As people watched from apartment patios above street level, and as tourists huddled inside hotels, a large contingent of LAPD officers and Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies fired several flash bangs that boomed through side streets along with tear gas. —Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 11 June 2025

The deal would combine Perplexity and TikTok U.S., and would allow for the U.S. government to own up to 50 percent of the new company contingent upon a future IPO. —Michelle Castillo, CNBC, 10 June 2025

Adjective

At the same time, Desai was taking honors courses, which are similarly rigorous but are not contingent on passing the AP test to get the credit. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025

Of course, Musk’s affection for Trump was always contingent. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025

Phrases Containing contingent

• contingent (on or upon)