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.
Any resemblance between the TikTok series and the real-life version of Chairman Tom Ricketts meeting his wife, Cece, in the bleachers is purely coincidental, a Cubs source said. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026 The storm name is coincidental following the death of country music singer Dolly Parton. — Dylan Moriarty, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2026 As for the preseason wins and losses themselves, any resemblance to the reality ahead is purely coincidental. — Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 Perhaps not coincidental to its history, Trastevere has long been Rome’s bohemian neighborhood. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 17 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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