Definition of contingencenext
as in possibility
something that might happen the collapse of that nation's economy was one contingence that the architects of the war hadn't planned on

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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 contingence The team had a strong veteran contingence, but none of those veterans had anyone to lead them. Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press, 24 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingence
Noun
  • Asked about the latter possibility, Alcantara responded carefully.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The possibility—the probability—of conflagration is on every Western mind.
    Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Typical events, like the Super Bowl or large musical acts like Taylor Swift and Beyonce, at either of the venues, have clogged city streets and created a safety issue, Davidson says.
    Laurie Perez, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • However, keep in mind that the pools and private event suite (with a huge outdoor patio just a couple floors down) are all on that side, and the noise travels a bit.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Scott Cherry of Skillman Corporation said that there is a contingency built into the contract to address that potential issue.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Small human decisions that were also embedded in history and contingency and politics, right?
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In most cases, those were rejected, and some activists were even arrested on various charges.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • In some cases, the frost is severe enough to end the growing season and is then referred to as a 'killing frost'.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contingence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingence. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

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