1
as in delegations
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
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2
as in events
something that might happen
officials in charge of managing the national emergency tried to prepare for every contingent, no matter how improbable
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contingents
Kroslak’s appointment comes days ahead of the arrival of the force’s first military contingents, an advance team from Chad.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
While a few small contingents represented Iowa in the war's eastern theater, the west was where Iowans mainly engaged.
—Bill Steiden, Des Moines Register, 24 Mar. 2026
The force includes contingents from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Oklahoma, with units rotating in and out of the District on staggered timelines.
—Steven Beynon, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
Expected to draw more than 30,000 attendees, this year’s parade will include 111 contingents and 4,500 people.
—Lisa Hix, Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2026
With athletes spread across four clusters, even the countries with larger contingents were walking in smaller numbers at each venue.
—Zack Pierce, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Those comments have caused a lot of confusion and angst among European governments—many of whom have sent small military contingents to Greenland, not really as a show of force as much as a signal of disapproval.
—Connor Okeeffe, Oc Register, 21 Jan. 2026
The changes have been celebrated by some conservative lawmakers, anti-trans groups and some contingents of parents and athletes who believe trans women’s participation tips the scales of fairness.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
The congressman might be surprised to learn that, a little more than a century ago, his own state had been home to one of the strongest contingents of socialists in America.
—Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
While a few small contingents represented Iowa in the war's eastern theater, the west was where Iowans mainly engaged.
—Bill Steiden, Des Moines Register, 24 Mar. 2026
The force includes contingents from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Oklahoma, with units rotating in and out of the District on staggered timelines.
—Steven Beynon, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
Expected to draw more than 30,000 attendees, this year’s parade will include 111 contingents and 4,500 people.
—Lisa Hix, Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2026
With athletes spread across four clusters, even the countries with larger contingents were walking in smaller numbers at each venue.
—Zack Pierce, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Those comments have caused a lot of confusion and angst among European governments—many of whom have sent small military contingents to Greenland, not really as a show of force as much as a signal of disapproval.
—Connor Okeeffe, Oc Register, 21 Jan. 2026
The changes have been celebrated by some conservative lawmakers, anti-trans groups and some contingents of parents and athletes who believe trans women’s participation tips the scales of fairness.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
The congressman might be surprised to learn that, a little more than a century ago, his own state had been home to one of the strongest contingents of socialists in America.
—Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingents
Noun
-
Last weekend, delegations from the US and Iran met in Islamabad for a marathon 21 hours of talks, but eventually left Pakistan without a deal to end the war.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The announcement comes a day after delegations failed to reach a peace deal to end the conflict in Iran.—
Veronica Ortega,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The residences were born out of necessity but have become cherished events for the thousands in the band’s cult.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
-
But Barnes noted that timing such events is difficult.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Anyone who thinks the only alternative to being a victim is to be a victimizer is missing some important possibilities.—
Nikhil Krishnan,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Seevers hopes the concept will inspire house seekers with the range of possibilities that a minimal lifestyle offers.—
Amancai Biraben,
Oc Register,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Consider the chain of contingencies that had to align, and the child’s existence can feel like a miracle.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Other defense secretaries have committed forces only after a thorough examination of the risks and alternatives — and after making careful plans that account for all foreseeable contingencies.—
Steve Chapman,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In most cases, the first few episodes of a series stream for free, and a viewer pays for the rest; profit is further maximized through a staunch commitment to efficiency, often at the expense of labor standards.—
Chang Che,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The tracks are more vulnerable, biting, and self-aware than ever, and in some cases, feature lyrics pulled right out of Hjelt’s diary.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contingents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingents. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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