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
  • One is a vow, and one is a mandate, and one is a possibility, and each of them provides Cal with a path forward.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Some say the possibility of being slapped with the fees is a factor in buyers’ waning interest in condos, which have long been a relatively affordable option, at the same time that construction of new condos has continued to lag across the state.
    — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Forty years later, adult Calvin (Josh Hartnett) is still haunted by the event.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Each of the six main suspects get their chance to give their version of events on the day of Jodie’s death, effectively supplying their own alibis.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But Week 4 brought an especially jarring wave, with stars and indispensable starters disappearing from game after game, giving teams an early lesson in contingency planning.
    — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026
  • So contingency planning involved war-gaming out some scenarios.
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In the wake of the Cornell case, there have been calls for greater regulation and even bans on fraternities.
    — Richard Hall, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The number of emergency applications now rivals the annual tally of cases the justices consider with full briefing and oral arguments, Alito wrote in a new book released Tuesday.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contingence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contingence. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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