Thesaurus results for CONTINGENCY

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

contingency

noun

kən-ˈtin-jən(t)-sē

Definition of contingency

as in possibility

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in provision

something upon which the carrying out of an agreement or offer depends an offer to buy the house, with the contingency that it pass inspection

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 According to Ewing, the law firm representing the cities approached them offering to file suit on a contingency basis. — Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 Senior now works as a contractor supporting the Air Force and helping plan contingency rescues for human-spaceflight crews. — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 What pre-season is for is establishing contingencies, testing out options, and building dynamics. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 Because of Martucci’s hands-on construction background, his team is able to purchase these properties without requiring repairs, inspections or contingencies typical of a traditional sale. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contingency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingency

Noun

There are enough winnable games on the schedule that 6-6 with a bowl berth is a real possibility.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
The possibility of such a sideways optical force had already been predicted theoretically.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of possibility

Noun

Then the judge looked closely at the deal that had been struck, which included a provision to proceed straight to sentencing and recommend a short term of probation.

— Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
The Coastal Commission signed off on the project a few years ago, after tussles over low-cost housing provisions during the course of erecting yet another luxury hotel.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of provision

Noun

More details on where the event will be held, who will speak and what makes the slate are due out in the coming weeks.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
On its call with investors, management said the conference sold out in early August and is its largest pipeline-generation event of the year.

— Jeff Marks, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of event

Noun

Some have no down payment requirements, most have below-average interest rates and many come with lower closing costs and monthly payments, thanks to no PMI requirements.

— Dan Simms, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
This allows individuals to evaluate the organization's mission, team dynamics, and actual time requirements.

— Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of requirement

Noun

City Council member Flor Alvidrez is questioning why Denver needed to hire outside lawyers for the two cases when the City Attorney's Office has a large contingent of attorneys.

— Brian Maass, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Indeed, conservatives’ grip on power remains deeply contested and contingent.

— Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of contingent

Noun

The comments were laid out in a two-page letter published via Telegram, as the country set its conditions for reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and touted the prospect of a return to diplomatic negotiations.

— Sam Meredith,Lim Hui Jie,Mike Sheen, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Rather than just a reproductive issue, endometriosis is a whole-body condition, affecting everything from emotional regulation to hormone production and gut health.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of condition

Noun

The trial brings to a head a decades-old case that for years has drawn the eyes of hip-hop fans and true crime experts alike.

— Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt.

— Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of case

Noun

If enforced, the retail stipulation could benefit global rivals such as Heineken as well as smaller local brewers including Keroche Breweries and African Originals.

— Martin K.N Siele, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Because Lindsay Clancy agreed to what’s called a stipulation of facts in the case, prosecutors don’t have to present all of their evidence in court.

— Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of stipulation

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“Contingency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingency. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of contingency

noun

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