contingencies

NOUN

chance happening; possibility

Synonyms

STRONGEST

emergency eventuality exigency probability

STRONG

accident break chance crisis crossroads event fortuity happening incident juncture likelihood occasion odds opportunity pass pinch predicament strait uncertainty

WEAK

if it's cool turning point zero hour

Antonyms

STRONGEST

improbability unlikelihood

STRONG

advantage bad luck certainty good fortune misfortune plan solution

WEAK

definiteness reality surety truth

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Various branches of the military draw up plans for all sorts of contingencies in case the president thinks about ordering one.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

“Those are also intended to support contingencies in Asia,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

“These common contingencies — inspection, appraisal, financing, sale of the buyer’s current home, clear title, etc. — mean that backing out for those reasons is lawful and permitted under the contract.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

CEOs have always planned for contingencies, but now they must prepare for a seemingly infinite number of scenarios.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

All the contingencies we couldn’t anticipate are running through my head as I think of how slender the plan is that we’ve rested all our hopes on.

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse