contingent 1 of 2

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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

Relevance
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

contingent

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adjective

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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

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 contingent
Noun
SoftBank's initial contribution is $10 billion, with an additional $30 billion contingent upon OpenAI's transition to a for-profit entity by the end of the year. Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Penn State skated to a dominant 5-1 victory before a large contingent of fans. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
On March 31, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said any adjustment to U.S. policy on Syria would be contingent on the government’s actions, including guaranteeing the rights of minorities. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025 But the Kremlin later clarified that any agreement was contingent on the West lifting sanctions. Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contingent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingent
Noun
  • Our Connecticut delegation has been unwavering in their efforts to protect Medicaid, working tirelessly in Washington to prevent reductions to this vital program.
    Jennifer Jackson, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2025
  • But Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi who leads the Iranian delegation in the talks has rejected negotiations that would limit his country's program as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has said would be required.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There is hope of working with his camp to find a new club — a move to a league like Saudi Arabia’s is not the only option and finding a team in Europe could be a possibility.
    Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Its landscapes don’t offer guarantees, but rather the tantalizing tease of possibility.
    Chris Schalkx, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Nicki Minaj was reportedly the target of a random swatting attack by someone who told police there had been a shooting at her Hidden Hills home.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • As such, The Studio is shrill and talky, its chaotic scenes sparked by random performers like Charlize Theron, Zac Efron, Olivia Wilde and Sarah Polley, all of whom want something from Remick.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The presence of at least six US B-2 stealth bombers in the Indian Ocean and a second aircraft carrier in the Middle East only fueled speculation in Israel that a strike was not only possible, but increasingly probable.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In Europe, projections showed a probable increase in Ambrosia—or ragweed pollen—also linked to rising temperatures.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the Kremlin rejected a U.S. proposal — to which Ukraine agreed last month — for a full 30-day ceasefire, and made its consent to a partial truce in the Black Sea dependent on sanctions relief.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This country faces some very difficult challenges, and the future of what happens to America is dependent upon your generation.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For shoppers, this means any impact on food prices is likely to be delayed, uneven, and conditional.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Certain potential new investors viewed any deal as conditional, subject to the due diligence that accompanies any large transaction.
    Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Volunteering with professional organizations or at industry events is another powerful way to demonstrate your skills, initiative, and passion for your field.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Wednesday will mark 100 years since the first passenger train arrived at the Boise Depot, and the city is celebrating the landmark with four days of events.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • One standout piece in the campaign is the Capucines bag, reimagined in a breezy wicker material, a chic and practical choice for high-summer heat, capturing effortless elegance with a seasonal twist.
    Mecca Pryor, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
  • This functionality reflects a broader brand focus: making fitness practical and easy to fit into daily life.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Contingent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingent. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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