The term BE CONTINGENT can be broken down into four crossword solutions: HINGE (5 letters), DEPEND (6 letters), HINGED (6 letters), and TROOP (5 letters). HINGE and HINGED refer to a mechanical device that is used to connect two objects together, while DEPEND means to rely on something or someone for support. Lastly, TROOP is a group of people, usually soldiers, who are organized and trained for military service. All of these words are related to the term BE CONTINGENT, which means to be dependent on something else or to be subject to change.