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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 Her Renaissance colleagues worked out a plan to support Fete personally and artistically while also ensuring backup for contingencies. Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025 Williams said there is a contingency of about 7% built into that figure. Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2025 While many may worry that lending financial support to their children may be crippling them or enabling them, nearly 77% of the parents surveyed do so with some kind of stipulation or contingency. Essence, 19 Sep. 2025 All-cash, no-contingency deals trade a bit of headline price for certainty, speed, and operating freedom the day after close. Lewis Schiff, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contingency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingency
Noun
  • Since September 2024, a new federal law requires mammogram reports to state whether breast tissue is dense, and to mention the possibility of additional imaging.
    Dr. Megha Gupta, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • This decrease in firepower, though, does open the possibility for some historically significant winners.
    Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With the de minimis provision gone, air freight has declined around 30 percent, per Glennon.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • There were no explicit provisions or agreements with the college in either the land deal transferring the plot from college ownership to the state, nor the deal transferring the property from the state to Trump’s library foundation.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This event will be the first of three supermoons in 2025, with others in November and December.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Top 10 events in Cincinnati this weekend – Lions and pumpkins and beers (oh my).
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Some states have instituted requirements for websites with adult or pornographic content to verify visitors' age before granting access, although tech experts have pointed out VPNs can be used to get around those guardrails.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • There will be 223 new apartments available altogether, once the Union at Rose Park is completed, and 165 of those will be considered affordable housing for lower-income residents, a requirement of each development's tax incremental financing.
    Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The K-pop contingent caused a commotion, with Blackpink’s Lisa snapping pics with Stray Kids’ Felix.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The entire Manchester contingent was withdrawn.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Those over 60 or with certain medical conditions are at a greater risk for severe illness.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The cubs were discovered alone and in poor condition before beings safely trapped by the UC Davis California Carnivores Program team in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Corps officials will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Wirtz and Frimpong have both been tried on the flanks, but so far neither has put forward a strong case.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But the pro golfer only agreed to participate in the project after production agreed to his filming stipulations.
    Effie Orfanides, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Gusman donated the theater under the stipulation that the semi-autonomous Miami Parking Authority would manage the property.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contingency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingency. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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