CONTIGUOUS Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'contiguous' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of contiguous are adjacent , adjoining , and juxtaposed . While all these words mean "being in close proximity," contiguous implies having contact on all or most of one side. // offices in all 48 contiguous states

Q: When might 'adjacent' be a better fit than 'contiguous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to contiguous , adjacent may or may not imply contact but always implies absence of anything of the same kind in between. // a house with an adjacent garage

Q: When can 'adjoining' be used instead of 'contiguous'?

While the synonyms adjoining and contiguous are close in meaning, adjoining definitely implies meeting and touching at some point or line. // had adjoining rooms at the hotel

Q: When would 'juxtaposed' be a good substitute for 'contiguous'?

The words juxtaposed and contiguous can be used in similar contexts, but juxtaposed means placed side by side especially so as to permit comparison and contrast. // a skyscraper juxtaposed to a church

contiguous

adjective

kən-ˈti-gyə-wəs

Definition of contiguous

as in adjacent

having a border in common Connecticut and Massachusetts are contiguous states

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How is the word contiguous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of contiguous are adjacent, adjoining, and juxtaposed. While all these words mean "being in close proximity," contiguous implies having contact on all or most of one side.

offices in all 48 contiguous states

When might adjacent be a better fit than contiguous?

While in some cases nearly identical to contiguous, adjacent may or may not imply contact but always implies absence of anything of the same kind in between.

a house with an adjacent garage

When can adjoining be used instead of contiguous?

While the synonyms adjoining and contiguous are close in meaning, adjoining definitely implies meeting and touching at some point or line.

had adjoining rooms at the hotel

When would juxtaposed be a good substitute for contiguous?

The words juxtaposed and contiguous can be used in similar contexts, but juxtaposed means placed side by side especially so as to permit comparison and contrast.

a skyscraper juxtaposed to a church

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of contiguous The study concluded annexation is legally and physically feasible — the area is contiguous, compact and urbanized. — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 Last month was the warmest September on record for the contiguous United States, surpassing the previous record set in 1998, according to a new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 Delivery is available throughout the contiguous United States. — New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026 Across the contiguous United States, September 2026 ranks as the warmest September on record, dating back to at least 1895, according to data from the PRISM Group at Oregon State University. — Ben Noll, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contiguous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contiguous

Adjective

Raman’s office didn’t comment on that assertion, but Stahl said that the Bureau of Street Services isn’t funded to repair damaged sidewalks, and the responsibility falls to the adjacent property owners.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
There's one accessible suite with an entry ramp, adjacent parking, and an en suite bathroom with a shower handrail.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of adjacent

Adjective

Uzbekistan holds vast deposits of rare earths and critical minerals, while neighboring Kazakhstan is the world’s leading producer of uranium, accounting for 40% of supplies.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
What’s more, two groups that fought alongside the government – Eritrea and the Fano militia from the neighboring Amhara region – bristled at being excluded from peace talks.

— Siyanne Mekonnen, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of neighboring

Adjective

Its original residential use explains many of the details that have managed to survive to the present day, such as the wooden doors that can be seen in both the hotel’s main building and the adjoining restaurant.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Over the weekend, the new Coach retail location opened in Leawood and marked the city’s first with an adjoining coffee shop, Coach Coffee Shop.

— Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of adjoining

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contiguity

contiguous

continence

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Style

“Contiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contiguous. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of contiguous

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