Definition of contingencenext
as in possibility
something that might happen the collapse of that nation's economy was one contingence that the architects of the war hadn't planned on

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 contingence The team had a strong veteran contingence, but none of those veterans had anyone to lead them. Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press, 24 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contingence
Noun
  • The possibility of disruptions to oil flows via the Strait of Hormuz, however, might not entirely be discounted, which could complicate energy supply calculus.
    Justina Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • Efraín Juárez, then the coach of Pumas, was asked about the possibility of his team ending a long title drought.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Greenwood is leading a series of high-profile events to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Fans from around the world attended the event, with many saying this World Cup has felt different.
    Anna McAllister, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Davis said events of that scale require planning months — sometimes a year — in advance, with contingencies built into nearly every scenario.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • After the large crowd gathered on the Capitol’s West steps to take some photographs, a smaller contingency of a couple of hundred people filed into the statehouse to carry on the rally.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • As of July 6, 23 cases of Legionnaires' disease have been confirmed in two of Manhattan's Upper East Side neighborhoods, according to the New York City Department of Health.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • Multiple references are made to an op-ed Weist wrote making a case for greater regulation of the private investigator industry.
    Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contingence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingence. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!