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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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

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 contingency Winfield proposed removing the $70 million from the plan’s funds for Tucson’s Bus Rapid Transit project and using that funding for contingency and wildlife linkages. Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 28 Oct. 2024 While the Morro Bay contingency is believed to be among the originals, witch paddles have grown as a Halloweentime tradition over recent years. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2024 Ultimately, neuroscience and contingency management are critical in overcoming habits associated with addiction and mental health struggles. Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024 The government doesn't deny Smith was verbally abusive toward Rodriguez, but stated Smith was nonviolent, unarmed and physically diminutive and two other officers were there to react to any contingency or emergency. Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contingency 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingency
Noun
  • There’s always a possibility that, in these troubled times, escapist blockbusters like Wicked, Gladiator II, and Dune: Part Two will find favor with a demoralized and weary audience.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Another possibility is the telescope doesn’t identify a ninth planet but finds more distant objects than what was previously known.
    Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The provision for credit losses decreased to $123,000, attributed to a decrease in average loans receivable.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The amendment also does away with a provision that limits the exemption to companies with no more than $100,000 in gross receipts and applies the exemption to all grant amounts instead of just the first $1 million received.
    Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Together, the pair built their own ofrenda at home, then picked out costumes and painted their faces before heading to the annual event at the start of November on the city’s Northside.
    Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
  • This year the event celebrates 25 years of honoring the best of Latin music in Spanish and Portuguese.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • One requirement is that the guest artists already have a book of big band arrangements.
    Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Continuum claimed that reducing the angle of the plane would knock the number of units down from 475 to 355, making the affordability requirement financially unworkable.
    Kim Velsey, Curbed, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Such strong support among these contingents contribute to the positive news for Harris in the most recent polls.
    Dan Mangan,Kevin Breuninger,Jake Piazza,Annie Nova,Rebecca Picciotto,Ece Yildirim, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Some of those states made the provision contingent on neighboring states doing the same thing.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The idea of vigorous exercise can be daunting to people who are out of condition, Manmadhan said.
    Linda Carroll, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Their daughter, Ruth O'Loughlin, hoped her parents could stay safe amid the conditions.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Most cases have been reported in California (21), Washington (11) and Colorado (10).
    Erika Edwards, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • That said, there's a compelling case to stick with it.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Be smart: The majority-districts stipulation was put in place to ensure candidates tried to appeal to all Richmond voters, not just wealthier and white residents, especially given the city's history of trying to dilute the Black vote.
    Karri Peifer, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Musk is only awarding money to those who sign what his America political action committee has called a petition in favor of the First and Second Amendments under the stipulation they are registered to vote in a swing state.
    Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near contingency

Cite this Entry

“Contingency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingency. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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