contingent

Frequently Asked Questions About contingent

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