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

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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
The rhythmic chant echoed through Ball Arena, emanating from a small but spirited contingent of Knicks fans in the sellout crowd. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 26 Nov. 2024 The filing includes information on the company's recent Securities Purchase Agreement aimed at raising $2.6 million, contingent on maintaining its Nasdaq listing. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
István joins the Army for negative and contingent reasons: there’s an economic depression in Hungary at the time and few other jobs are available to him. Dennis Zhou, The New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2024 Paramount Global is offering $1 million retention bonuses to two top executives, contingent on them remaining with the company through the close of the Skydance Media merger. Todd Spangler, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contingent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingent
Noun
  • Advertisement Krager wrote that Pelosi was honored to travel with the delegation, many of whom had family members who fought in World War II — including her uncle, Johnny.
    Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Roger Harris, president of Padgett Business Services, a financial services firm, explains that updates are required when an owner’s address, name, or legal status changes, or when operational shifts or new delegations of authority are implemented.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Despite that possibility, FOX Sports' Rowan Kavner is predicting Hernández will remain in Hollywood after signing a three-year deal.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • This may even spark a photo shoot or two—the possibilities are endless!
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • People Magazine Investigates The shooting appeared random at first, but police eventually unspooled a strange plot involving Li's ex-wife and a bitter custody dispute over their son, Arik, who has severe disabilities stemming from a medical misdiagnosis early in his life.
    Liam Quinn, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Besides the occasional random spider that scuttles indoors, some spiders can live in out-of-the-way spots in your home, such as along ceilings or in basements and behind clutter.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Advertisement Rather, Harris would need to view the job as a probable career-capper, taking pride in solving complex problems that are eating away at her native state.
    George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024
  • He was listed as questionable for the Lakers’ next game, in Atlanta on Dec. 6, before being upgraded to probable pregame and eventually playing.
    Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The result is a population increasingly dependent on nutrient-poor, high-calorie foods.
    Robert Pearl, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • For Matthews, surrealist cinema—forward-looking, innovative, dependent on the future itself for inspiration—still had its best days before it.
    Noor Anand Chawla, JSTOR Daily, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • On Saturday, Rwanda had made the signing of a peace agreement conditional on a direct dialogue between Congo and the M23 rebels, which Congo refused, the presidency added.
    Justin Kabumba, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Plus, the Knicks’ draft cupboard is bare The Knicks mortgaged five first-round picks for Bridges, leaving their next potential first-rounder—a conditional pick from Washington—in doubt.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • There is no way to buy it, and mothers can only get it for free by participating in events.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The panel pointed out that the Secret Service, already stretched thin by the demands of a presidential campaign, was tasked with protecting two high-profile individuals that day—Trump and first lady Jill Biden, who was attending a nearby event.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Take this time to prepare for future energy needs with practical savings.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The overall picture is that the physiology is real, but the practical effects seem to be too small to measure.
    Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 16 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near contingent

Cite this Entry

“Contingent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingent. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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