Definition of contingencynext
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 There’s a whole contingency of people that are quite nomadic, so some people like to have full apartments attached to their houses [where friends can stay]. Mary Holland, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2026 Most purchase agreements include an appraisal or financing contingency that clearly outlines what happens if the appraisal comes in low. Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026 The estimate includes a contingency for any potential cost overrun. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 Lastly, the Bengals have traditionally rolled over cap space to the next season while also allocating a portion, before the year, to practice squad elevations, injury contingencies and reserves. Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contingency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingency
Noun
  • In your view, are the biggest risks from AI systems themselves or from the humans deploying them, the possibility of AI in the hands of rogue actors is particularly concerning here.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • As the possibilities are almost as large and endless as the country itself, Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) went to the industry’s makers in search of their unique perspectives.
    Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Other key provisions of the executive order are already blocked in separate court rulings.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • The provision was new in the 2023 CBA to avoid one-time salary-cap spikes, such as the one that allowed the Golden State Warriors to sign Kevin Durant as a free agent in 2016.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • The best Prime Day clothing deals tend to change day by day, so check back in over the course of the event to shop all the newest and most exciting markdowns.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 23 June 2026
  • Boggi Milano, which will also be the official licensee of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, is a fitting partner to the global sporting event.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • That means the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which is the local enforcement agency for these requirements in the region, will be in charge of monitoring whether businesses are following the law.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Since then, the mussels have spread through California waterways, prompting mandatory boat inspections and decontamination requirements at lakes and reservoirs statewide.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Ohtani didn't take long to give the large contingent of Dodgers fans reason to celebrate, hitting the second pitch of the game deep into the plaza in right field.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • The 23rd annual Sacramento Juneteenth celebration filled William Land Park on Saturday with a parade of 15 contingents and a festival with educational exhibits on Black American history.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Some require extreme heat or highly acidic conditions.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026
  • Prescott-Hansen posted a $50,000 bond and was released without conditions.
    Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • But in a landmark case, the Supreme Court ruled against the president on Monday, saying the administration failed to give Cook the opportunity to address those accusations, as required by law.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Hernández said that her husband was detained during an ICE check-in and that even though he was told a judge would review his case, he was deported Wednesday.
    Carmen Sesin, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • But Shields has a few stipulations for her teenage daughter.
    Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • As a result of stipulations with pick protections, the Hornets received the least-favorable 2026 first-round selections of Washington, Memphis, Phoenix and Orlando.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contingency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingency. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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