coincidental

adjective

co·​in·​ci·​den·​tal (ˌ)kō-ˌin(t)-sə-ˈden-tᵊl 

1

: resulting from a coincidence

a coincidental resemblance

2

: occurring or existing at the same time

coincidental deaths

Synonyms

• coetaneous
• coeval
• coexistent
• coexisting
• coextensive
• coincident
• concurrent
• contemporaneous
• contemporary
• coterminous
• simultaneous
• synchronic
• synchronous

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

His highlighting Trump’s remark may not have been coincidental. —Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024

Whether coincidental or not, Sinwar’s killing caps another remarkable political recovery for a man pollsters and analysts have written off many times over the years. —Alexander Smith, NBC News, 19 Oct. 2024

Another coincidental similarity: A fetishist’s Locktober can also sometimes lead to muscle gains. —Mikelle Street, Them, 9 Oct. 2024

However, these patterns are often purely coincidental and lack any deeper inherent meaning. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

coincident + -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

coincidental

adjective

co·​in·​ci·​den·​tal (ˌ)kō-ˌin(t)-sə-ˈdent-ᵊl 

1

: resulting from a coincidence

a coincidental resemblance

2

: occurring or existing at the same time

coincidentally

-ˈdent-lē

-ᵊl-ē

adverb