accidental
3 antonyms and opposites of accidental, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Happening by chance rather than on purpose.
Antonyms
How to use accidental
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Late Latin accidentalis, based on accident.
Full origin of accidental →Frequently asked questions
What does “accidental” mean?
The word “accidental” means happening by chance rather than on purpose. In plain terms, unintended or happening by chance, rather than planned or essential.
How do you pronounce “accidental”?
“Accidental” is pronounced ak-sih-DEHN-tl (/ˌæk.sɪˈdɛn.tl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “accidental” in a sentence?
Here is “accidental” used in a sentence: “The fire was ruled accidental, not the result of arson.”
What is another word for “accidental”?
Words with a similar meaning to “accidental” include circumstantial, incidental, casual, contingent, occasional and fortuitous.
What is the opposite of “accidental”?
The opposite of “accidental” — its antonyms — are inevitable, intentional and impossible.
What part of speech is “accidental”?
“Accidental” is an adjective.
Where does the word “accidental” come from?
The word “accidental” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin accidentalis, based on accident.
Is “accidental” a common word?
“Accidental” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "accidental" and "incidental"?
"Accidental" means happening by chance rather than on purpose, describing an event's cause. "Incidental" (also a sense of "accidental") means not essential to the basic nature of something, describing its importance rather than how it happened; the two senses overlap but emphasize different things.
What is the difference between "accidental" and "deliberate"?
"Accidental" describes something that happens by chance rather than on purpose, while "deliberate" describes something done intentionally and with forethought. The two words are near-opposites when describing the cause of an action or event.
Can "accidental" describe a feature rather than an event?
Yes, in its second sense "accidental" means not essential to the basic nature of something, describing a quality as incidental rather than core. This usage is distinct from the more common sense of "happening by chance."