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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
  • In December, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, or DEEP, began holding meetings to inform the public of the possibility of building more nuclear reactors within the state, hoping to entice a town to host one.
    Krisztian Elcsics, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • No, but talent of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s pedigree comes to market (if that truly is the case) so rarely, that such a possibility has to be prioritized.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Lisa’s Safe Haven Childcare, which has eight locations throughout Northwest Indiana, hosted Monday’s event while its workers were on strike.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2026
  • Social events tend to allow a tiny bit of leeway, even though the host then has to listen to tedious descriptions of the traffic.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • This is also when the agency plans for contingencies, from a medical incident to a large-scale attack, to ensure the continuity and leadership of the United States is maintained.
    Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • High-end ordnance used up in Iran is ordnance unavailable for other contingencies, whether in Europe or the Indo-Pacific.
    Jon Duffy, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Authorities said Catalan-Torreblanca may have lived near apartment complexes where the attacks took place, warning that there may be other victims or connected cases that lack DNA evidence.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
  • In years past, she had been given catch-up days to focus on a single type of case.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contingence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingence. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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