Synonyms of contingency

contingency

noun

kən-ˈtin-jən(t)-sē 

1

as in possibility

something that might happen

agencies trying to provide for every contingency in a national emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

• possibility
• event
• contingent
• case
• contingence
• eventuality
• probability
• risk
• accident
• hazard
• chance
• hap

2

as in provision

something upon which the carrying out of an agreement or offer depends

an offer to buy the house, with the contingency that it pass inspection

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provision
• requirement
• condition
• stipulation
• qualification
• reservation
• exception
• proviso
• terms
• modification
• if
• limitation
• restriction
• necessity
• exemption
• requisite
• must
• precondition
• essential
• prerequisite
• demand
• strings
• need

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

Recent Examples of contingency

Those who want dinner need to arrive by 5 p.m. Women utilizing the winter contingency overflow will be required to leave the facility each morning. —Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 12 Dec. 2025

Building contingency into all three is essential—and will spare you considerable frustration later. —Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2025

As part of the contingency proposal, the council discussed an $11 million request from the Denver Police Department for overtime and separation payouts. —Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 3 Dec. 2025

The flight also provided critical data to develop standardized procedures for future contingency operations. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025