CONTINGENT Synonyms: 228 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

contingent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of contingent next

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

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

2 of 2

adjective

as in random

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in probable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dependent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in conditional

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

But there are still a contingent of customers who prefer to browse in person. —

Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024 In December 2023, Langley Air Force Base in Virginia was targeted by a wave of mysterious drone overflights, prompting the Pentagon to relocate a contingent of F-22 Raptor fighter jets stationed there to another base. —

Jared Keller, WIRED, 13 Dec. 2024

Adjective

The company identified a contingent earn-out share liability related to a business combination, which is recorded as a transaction cost. —

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024 Federal prosecutors noted that Bateman’s plea agreement was contingent on all of his co-defendants also pleading guilty. —

Jacques Billeaud and Anita Snow, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contingent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingent

Noun

At full time, the delegation, including new executive chairman Marc Watts, stayed to applaud a gritty, defensively resolute performance.

Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
The delegation also plans to advocate for key principles outlined by the Biden administration, including inclusion, the protection of minorities, and the rejection of terrorism and chemical weapons—standards the U.S. considers essential for supporting any future Syrian government.

Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024