adj
coincidental
KOH-ihn-sih-dehn-tl
Coincidental (adj) means happening by chance at the same time, rather than through planning or connection. Example: “The similarity between the two designs was purely coincidental.”
adj
1
Happening by chance at the same time, rather than through planning or connection.
"The similarity between the two designs was purely coincidental."
"Any resemblance to real events is coincidental."
How to use coincidental
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHappening by accident or chance, not on purpose or through cause and effect.
Common pairings
purely coincidental
merely coincidental
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more coincidental
- Superlative
- most coincidental
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The similarity between the two designs was purely _____.
Etymology
From co- + incidental.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for coincidental
mental
dental
rental
parental
Oriental
elemental
accidental
ornamental
judgmental
incidental
monumental
regimental
See all rhymes for coincidental →
Frequently asked questions
What does “coincidental” mean?
The word “coincidental” means happening by chance at the same time, rather than through planning or connection. In plain terms, happening by accident or chance, not on purpose or through cause and effect.
How do you pronounce “coincidental”?
“Coincidental” is pronounced KOH-ihn-sih-dehn-tl (/ˈkəʊ.ɪn.sɪˌdɛn.tl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “coincidental” in a sentence?
Here is “coincidental” used in a sentence: “The similarity between the two designs was purely coincidental.”
What part of speech is “coincidental”?
“Coincidental” is an adjective.
