1
as in possibility
something that might happen agencies trying to provide for every contingency in a national emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 contingency The call focused on contingency planning ahead of the end of August deadline for a nuclear deal and explored how best to manage the snapback timeline before Russia assumes the rotating UN Security Council presidency in October. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025 Maersk also noted that current diversion plans and contingencies for cargo from Haifa are actively being finalized on a case-by-case basis. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 26 June 2025 She was told explicitly her signature was required as a contingency in the event that the election flipped to Trump. Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 12 July 2025 Most importantly, your strategy should clearly delineate expectations, accountability, performance measures and contingencies across all aspects of the business. Sherre Demao, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for contingency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingency
Noun
  • Indianapolis City-County Council members are also discussing the possibility of fines and mandatory parenting classes for parents and guardians whose children repeatedly violate the new rules.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 14 July 2025
  • Others wanted to consider the possibility of technological advancements.
    Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Buried in the July 4 tax overhaul, formally titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was a provision that’s quickly catching the attention of CFOs and business owners across industries: the full return of 100% bonus depreciation.
    Karla Dennis, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • The agreement included a provision protecting potential co-conspirators from criminal charges.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • At the end of the day, Brown and the event participants and attendees agreed the summit was a success.
    Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 21 July 2025
  • Crashing out can stem from big or small stressors, and are likely to occur in those who do not have developed coping skills, are under a lot of stress, or experience emotional dysregulation (being unable to control and cope with life’s negative events).
    Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Such a propellant is already proven and is well-suited for the extreme conditions of space and meets current planetary protection requirements.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 July 2025
  • Remember that there are lots of different Forms 1099 and many different reporting requirements.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • With 38-year-old Yaz now playing first base, Carlton Fisk behind the dish, and a legendary outfield contingent in Jim Rice, Fred Lynn, Dwight Evans and Bernie Carbo, Red triumphed over White twice that day.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 20 July 2025
  • Denver’s sideline contingent Court-side seats were mostly vacant on Thursday when the Nuggets opened Summer League play against Milwaukee.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Farrer acknowledged challenging economic conditions and trade uncertainties but expressed confidence in the company's long-term success.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • For viewing in daylight conditions, look for projectors with high lumens and consider shading your area with a canopy or umbrella to minimize the sunlight.
    Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • In any case, Reed, who has learned how to teleport an egg, comes up with a plan to teleport the entire planet and everyone on it to a totally different star system.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The lower chamber of the Philippine Congress received at least four separate cases of impeachment against the Vice President between December and February—though only one was transferred to the Senate, which would have served as the impeachment tribunal.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The stipulation is one of the terms of the Deferred Prosecution Agreement that was reached.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2025
  • The one stipulation that Olney reported was that the Royals were unwilling to part with the core of their pitching staff.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contingency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingency. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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