The term 'was contingent (on)' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: 'rode' and 'DEPENDED'. The term 'was contingent (on)' means that something was dependent on something else, or that something was conditional. For example, a person's success may have been contingent on their hard work and dedication. Similarly, a person's happiness may have been contingent on the support of their friends and family. In both cases, the outcome was dependent on something else.