Synonyms of contingent

contingent 1 of 2

noun

1

as in delegation

a body of persons chosen as representatives of a larger group

the local Scout troop traditionally sends a large contingent to the jamboree

Synonyms & Similar Words

• delegation
• team
• squad
• delegacy
• mission
• crew
• embassy
• legation
• detachment
• band
• company
• party
• gang
• outfit

2

as in possibility

something that might happen

officials in charge of managing the national emergency tried to prepare for every contingent, no matter how improbable

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

contingent

2 of 2

adjective

1

as in random

Related Words

• random
• chance
• inadvertent
• incidental
• accidental
• fortuitous
• scattered
• unconsidered
• unplanned
• lucky
• arbitrary
• haphazard
• unintended
• unintentional
• desultory
• stray
• aimless
• unpremeditated
• casual
• sporadic
• spot
• chancy
• slapdash
• indiscriminate
• hit-or-miss
• erratic
• fluky
• catch-as-catch-can
• unsystematic
• helter-skelter
• purposeless
• irregular
• scattershot
• directionless
• shotgun
• odd
• disorganized
• undiscriminating
• objectless
• disorderly
• undirected
• unselective

Dissimilar Words

• regular
• systematic
• regular
• fixed
• orderly
• organized
• stable
• continuous
• constant
• steady
• established
• arranged
• methodical
• even
• systematized
• set
• nonrandom
• aware
• conscious
• planned
• deliberate
• managed
• ordered
• thoughtful
• purposeful
• willful
• orchestrated

2

as in probable

Related Words

• probable
• practical
• likely
• acceptable
• conceivable
• plausible
• reasonable
• creditable
• viable
• feasible
• possible
• sensible
• achievable
• available
• workable
• attainable
• thinkable
• realizable
• believable
• practicable
• actionable
• doable
• usable

Dissimilar Words

• impossible
• impracticable
• unlikely
• hopeless
• unworkable
• unattainable
• improbable
• impractical
• infeasible
• unrealistic
• unfeasible
• doubtful
• dubious
• incredible
• inconceivable
• unrealizable
• nonviable
• implausible
• undoable
• useless
• unbelievable
• unviable
• futile
• ridiculous
• absurd
• vain
• outlandish
• fantastic
• preposterous
• far-fetched
• unthinkable

3

as in relative

Related Words

• relative
• dependent
• reciprocal
• similar
• comparable
• correlative
• commensurate
• proportional
• symmetrical
• akin
• proportionate
• balanced
• commensurable

Dissimilar Words

• disproportionate
• irregular
• twisted
• distorted
• asymmetrical
• unbalanced
• lopsided
• nonsymmetrical
• unsymmetrical

4

as in conditional

Related Words

• conditional
• qualified
• limited
• tentative
• transitory
• ephemeral
• short-range
• fleeting
• transitional
• terminate
• intermediate
• short-lived
• terminable
• intermediary
• fugitive
• makeshift
• expedient
• replaceable
• proxy
• acting
• short-term
• improvised
• provisional
• substitute
• alternate
• interim
• temporary
• impermanent
• provisionary
• provisory
• ad interim

Dissimilar Words

• permanent
• final
• long-term
• fixed
• settled
• unconditional
• unlimited
• unqualified
• set
• standing
• extended
• lasting
• eternal
• long-range
• perpetual
• enduring
• immortal
• everlasting
• endless
• unending
• undying
• timeless
• deathless
• dateless

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective contingent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contingent are accidental, casual, and fortuitous. While all these words mean "not amenable to planning or prediction," contingent suggests possibility of happening but stresses uncertainty and dependence on other future events for existence or occurrence.

the contingent effects of the proposed law

When could accidental be used to replace contingent?

The synonyms accidental and contingent are sometimes interchangeable, but accidental stresses chance.

any resemblance to actual persons is entirely accidental

When would casual be a good substitute for contingent?

While the synonyms casual and contingent are close in meaning, casual stresses lack of real or apparent premeditation or intent.

a casual encounter with a stranger

When might fortuitous be a better fit than contingent?

Although the words fortuitous and contingent have much in common, fortuitous so strongly suggests chance that it often connotes entire absence of cause.

a series of fortuitous events

How does the adjective contingent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contingent are accidental, casual, and fortuitous. While all these words mean "not amenable to planning or prediction," contingent suggests possibility of happening but stresses uncertainty and dependence on other future events for existence or occurrence.

the contingent effects of the proposed law

When could accidental be used to replace contingent?

The synonyms accidental and contingent are sometimes interchangeable, but accidental stresses chance.

any resemblance to actual persons is entirely accidental

When would casual be a good substitute for contingent?

While the synonyms casual and contingent are close in meaning, casual stresses lack of real or apparent premeditation or intent.

a casual encounter with a stranger

When might fortuitous be a better fit than contingent?

Although the words fortuitous and contingent have much in common, fortuitous so strongly suggests chance that it often connotes entire absence of cause.

a series of fortuitous events

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contingent

Noun

Texas football may have sent a smaller contingent to the NFL scouting combine compared to the past two years, but almost every Longhorn made a big impact at last week's event in Indianapolis. —Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 2 Mar. 2026

Abdullah was a leader in the prison’s Muslim contingent. —James Verini, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026

Adjective

The merits of a deeper sell-off should be contingent on the quality of offers. —Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026

And the reward offer is not contingent on an eventual arrest or prosecution as the family seeks information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026

Phrases Containing contingent

• contingent (on or upon)