coincidental

adjective

co·​in·​ci·​den·​tal (ˌ)kō-ˌin(t)-sə-ˈden-tᵊl How to pronounce coincidental (audio)
Synonyms of coincidentalnext
1
: resulting from a coincidence
a coincidental resemblance
2
: occurring or existing at the same time
coincidental deaths

Synonyms of coincidental

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Examples of coincidental in a Sentence

The fact that he and his boss went to the same college was purely coincidental. the nearly coincidental deaths of Princess Diana and Mother Teresa
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But any overlap in a poem and a train line’s energy is coincidental; new Poetry in Motion selections go out in the entire subway system at once. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026 Along the way, a coincidental reunion with chef Andrew Wiseheart and his business partner, Ben Edgerton, helped turn the idea into a business. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026 However, Jud Taylor, vice president of sales, said the timing was purely coincidental with America 250. — Jennie Bell, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026 This coincidental trait inspired researchers to name the new genus Herugavialis after Heru, or Horus, the Egyptian god associated with the construction of the mythical creature. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coincidental

Word History

Etymology

coincident + -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coincidental was circa 1800

Rhymes for coincidental

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Coincidental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coincidental. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

coincidental

adjective
co·​in·​ci·​den·​tal (ˌ)kō-ˌin(t)-sə-ˈdent-ᵊl How to pronounce coincidental (audio)
1
: resulting from a coincidence
a coincidental resemblance
2
: occurring or existing at the same time
coincidentally
-ˈdent-lē, 
-ᵊl-ē
adverb
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