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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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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

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 Although Ukraine’s prospects for a decisive military success would diminish in any Trump contingency, steps that Brussels and Kyiv take today could cushion the blow. Alexander Vindman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2024 Their preparations covered security plans, equipment testing, staffing contingencies and communications strategies. The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 Using agile decision making to plan for a major project, including contingency planning and scenario planning, is vital for the project to be successful. Swapna Sathyan, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Police officers in all 50 states will be carrying pocket guides to election law, and law-enforcement groups like the National Sheriffs Association are teaming up with election officials for contingency planning. Barton Gellman, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contingency 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingency
Noun
  • The list of possibilities runs the gamut from networks owned by Warner Bros Discovery or Paramount to stand-alone companies/JVs like AMC Networks and A&E Networks.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 21 Nov. 2024
  • The prosecution in court recommended Ibarra be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, as did members of Riley’s family.
    Eric Levenson, CNN, 21 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
  • Tuesday's deadline was set by Washington for Israel to meet a host of requirements aimed at boosting aid into Gaza or face restrictions on U.S. military assistance, as required under U.S. law.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The fashion contingent included Christian Louboutin, wearing his namesake sneakers, who posed alongside Setsuko Klossowska de Rola, dressed in her signature kimono.
    Joelle Diderich, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences laid off a major contingent of staff members in its archive and library on Wednesday, including Academy Film Archive director of 24 years Mike Pogorzelski.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Customary closing conditions include final approval from the Comcast board, satisfactory completion of SpinCo financing, receipt of tax opinions, and any regulatory approvals.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
  • At one point a save file had to be abandoned because the player character lost the ability to sprint despite not being over encumbered or affected by any other negative status condition.
    Issy van der Velde, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Testimony in the civil case began on Aug. 12 in the 423rd District Court and the verdict was returned on Monday.
    Austin American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The incident report states the victim is uncooperative and does not want to press charges or speak about this case.
    Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • It has also been suggested that Kyiv should agree not to pursue NATO membership for 20 years, a stipulation that critics of this plan argue kowtows to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
    Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Throughout wrestling history, this stipulation has not proven to be full proof.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near contingency

Cite this Entry

“Contingency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingency. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on contingency

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