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 Attendance was lighter, as brands cut budgets and pivoted toward contingency planning in response to legislative delays and economic headwinds. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 June 2025 The letter, dated May 9, said the division was awaiting spill contingency and pipeline management plans from the company, and warned that financial penalties could follow without a timely response. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025 This contingency is often represented at the upper echelons of the Vatican by cardinals from continental Europe, most notably the Germans. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2025 There is still an evaluation process after each season that triggers a formal green light with contingencies built in. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for contingency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingency
Noun
  • But the defending champions feel no need to panic — even before the team’s upcoming four-game, 10-day roadtrip with the possibility of not having Jonquel Jones available for it.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
  • In terms of the Flyers’ willingness to move some of their cache of draft picks, Brière didn’t sound all that sure about that possibility, either.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • The provision gives the president the power to appoint a board member and have a say in company decisions that affect domestic steel production and competition with overseas producers.
    Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • This is not an option for small businesses that rely on the tax provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • His mother Scarlett and brother Lance flew in for the event to watch Wactor on screen one more time.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 26 June 2025
  • Expect gourmet popcorn and chocolates, along with celebration arrangements, popcorn bars and party bags for event planning.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • To choose a floor plan that works for your family now—and ten years from now—experts recommend considering key factors such as lifestyle needs, site-specific restrictions, storage requirements, long-term family planning, and budget constraints.
    Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 26 June 2025
  • For instance, the Nevada Department of Transportation has adopted Commvault’s PQC tools to meet government security requirements and protect sensitive information.
    Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • This is expected to have over 250 contingents and last around four hours.
    Jane Levere, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Newsom has made his signature on the budget contingent on passage of a separate bill to overhaul the California Environmental Quality Act, a law critics say hinders housing development.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The woman was listed in stable condition at an area hospital, according to police.
    Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 19 June 2025
  • The answer lies in understanding mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, a condition between normal aging and dementia.
    Nawab John Dar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • The six-parter, to debut July 14, follows six groups of friends, and six historical cases of murder and treachery among them.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
  • Barca even took a legal case against the regulations to a Catalan court but were unsuccessful.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Before that, a stipulation known as the Texas Proviso created a loophole that gave a pass to employers to hire noncitizens.
    Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
  • Farmers and ranchers must be black, Native American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, an Alaskan native, or Pacific Islander in order to participate, the stipulations said.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contingency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingency. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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