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 This offer is valid for standard shipping (3–5 business days) to a single eligible delivery address within the contiguous United States. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2026 Federal Aviation Administration Departures from the contiguous United States to Denver are experiencing an average delay of 114 minutes. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026 Following the military conquests initiated by Genghis Khan in 1206, the Mongols unified vast territories stretching from the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the Persian Gulf and the Danube River, creating the largest contiguous land empire in history. — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026 July was also the warmest month on record for the contiguous United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with an average temperature of nearly 77 degrees. — Meghan O'Brien, States Newsroom, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contiguous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contiguous

Adjective

This has your typical upscale open-concept kitchen (lots of storage space, top-shelf appliances, and marble countertops), and the adjacent dining nook leads out to a private balcony.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 31 Aug. 2026
Why do two different, mutually adjacent cities have the same name?

— Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of adjacent

Adjective

The neighboring Iranian port cities of Chabahar and Konarak on the Gulf of Oman, which host key commercial, maritime and military infrastructure, also came under attack.

— Zachary Cohen, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
Lake’s drop of about 200 students, far smaller than in neighboring districts, likely reflects the limited number of private schools in the county, making vouchers less viable for many families, officials have said.

— Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of neighboring

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contiguity

contiguous

continence

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“Contiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contiguous. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of contiguous

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