1
as in possibility
something that might happen agencies trying to provide for every contingency in a national emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun contingency differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contingency are crisis, emergency, exigency, juncture, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

In what contexts can crisis take the place of contingency?

The meanings of crisis and contingency largely overlap; however, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

When is emergency a more appropriate choice than contingency?

While in some cases nearly identical to contingency, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When might exigency be a better fit than contingency?

The synonyms exigency and contingency are sometimes interchangeable, but exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

When could juncture be used to replace contingency?

The words juncture and contingency can be used in similar contexts, but juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

How does the word pinch relate to other synonyms for contingency?

Pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

How are the words strait and straits related as synonyms of contingency?

Strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

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 contingency The concept described, in unprecedented detail and across a range of contingencies, how U.S. and allied forces could be adapted to enhance deterrence and defense. Andrew F. Krepinevich, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2025 Given the city’s geographic proximity to a major fault line, his team had recommended that the government update its building codes to make structures more resilient and improve seismic contingency planning. Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025 When supply chains buckled, when health officials enforced lockdowns, organizations that had invested in contingency planning and crisis management demonstrated resilience and staying power. Robert B. Tucker, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The sources spoke on condition of anonymity in order to openly discuss their company's contingency planning for potential tariffs. Michael Erman, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contingency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingency
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
Noun
  • With key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) set to expire at the end of this year, Washington is debating tax reform behind closed doors, and their decisions will reverberate through every corner of American life.
    Jack Salmon, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Social Security has promised to increase benefits and make retroactive payments to people affected by the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset.
    Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 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
Noun
  • Marrying Business Impact With Economics While the industry has witnessed a proliferation of smaller, specialized AI models, significant AI chip innovation remains essential to deliver the performance requirements for supporting advanced reasoning and multimodal models.
    Maribel Lopez, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Clinics, meanwhile, grapple with strict 340B compliance requirements—often without adequate staff or tools to manage efficiently.
    Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Browns contingent met with Ward and conducted their private workout two days after his pro day.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • While the Heat contingent was in its hotel in Chicago, awaiting Wednesday night’s critical game against the Bulls at the United Center, Chicago was resting several key players and losing big in Cleveland.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As far as the long-term effects, frequent and heavy alcohol consumption can lead to serious health conditions like liver disease, heart problems, increased cancer risk and damage to the nervous system.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The huge wealth gap fueled resentment and demands for better conditions.
    Lauren Frayer, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In any case, voter participation will still be low and that would seem to work in McCann’s favor, under the notion that Republicans have stronger proportional turnout.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Similar errors have been made in the United States, including a recent case where a White woman discovered she’d been given the wrong embryo after giving birth to a Black infant.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The two parties had yet to reach an agreement on the exact language for the stipulation, and planned to continue discussions overnight and into a hearing Thursday.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But Albert Breer reported the NFL has changed those eligibility rules, removing the playoff stipulation.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contingency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingency. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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