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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contingent

Noun

Tame Impala accounts for the Australian contingent on the national singles survey. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026

Deciding when to downsize is highly personal and contingent on your unique circumstances, and there is no right time to start clearing out your stuff and looking to the future. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Many observers in both Beijing and Washington view the emerging consensus as a contingent result of the interests of the two men currently in charge. — Da Wei, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2026

The mice’s neuropathy protection from psilocybin was also not contingent on the mushroom’s hallucinogenic properties, as both hallucinogenic and non-hallucinogenic versions of the treatment produced the same results. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing contingent

• contingent (on or upon)