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

Examples 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
Succeed on Saturday at home against Bournemouth and the present contingent will be able to boast about an accomplishment no previous Newcastle team has delivered: 10 straight games across all competitions. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 In October, Sotheby’s also unveiled its new Paris HQ in the French capital’s Matignon Saint-Honoré district, where a growing contingent of major galleries have set up shop. George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
The country’s international allies, including the U.S., had hinted that financial support after the war was contingent on a successful presidential election. Natasha Frost, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 But that pay raise — which was below what the ILA demanded — is contingent on reaching a solution to the automation issue, among other outstanding matters. William Gavin, Quartz, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for contingent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingent
Noun
  • The Minnesota Democrat has steadily been racking up endorsements from a handful of state party delegations and state party leaders across the country.
    Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The Why Is Karen Bass Under Scrutiny—including From Fire Chief Crowley? Bass has faced criticism for being in Ghana with a delegation sent by President Joe Biden to attend the country’s presidential inauguration when the fires broke out.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • There’s also the possibility that the Chinese government sees Musk as an operator who could help ease tensions between Beijing and Washington.
    Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Israel and much of the international community have been skeptical about the possibility of a multinational force in Gaza, and with good reason.
    Nir Arielli, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Oh, the third mode is a combination of both – sets of airbags inflate and deflate in seemingly random order – which has been perhaps my favorite setting.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Go and read random slave narratives and get their experience of the time.
    David Marchese, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Pitt’s cause of death was revealed as sharp and blunt force injuries with probable strangulation, according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner, The Ventura County Star reported.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025
  • In a season in which a Clemson-Alabama CFP rematch seemed probable, this shocker temporarily shook up that inevitability.
    Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • There should be no doubt left in the world that the Russian army is dependent on military assistance from North Korea...
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
  • While a person's character can be influenced by their environment, strong character is less dependent on external factors, such as social norms and incentives, that might otherwise shape their behavior.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Newsom's office didn't immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment about Johnson's and other Republicans' remarks about conditional aid on Monday.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Employers cannot ask about criminal history until after a conditional offer is made.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The event comes as an Arctic blast affects more than half the U.S. population.
    Aïda Amer, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025
  • While Musk was busy rubbing elbows with other billionaires at the event — namely, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Bezos' fiancée, Lauren Sanchez — all eyes were on Musk and Zilis' interaction, as the two keep their exact relationship status private.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Kitchens will be investing in optimizing cabinet and appliance interiors with practical organizational products to increase interior efficiency.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Beyond the legal obligations, the closure of College Walk has practical consequences that cannot be ignored.
    Victor Edwards, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near contingent

Cite this Entry

“Contingent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingent. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

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