accidental

[ ak-si-den-tl ]

adjective

1. happening by chance or accident; not planned; unexpected:

   an accidental meeting.

   Synonyms: unintentional

   Antonyms: contrived, planned

2. nonessential; incidental; subsidiary:

   accidental benefits.

3. Music. relating to or indicating sharps, flats, or naturals.

noun

1. a nonessential or subsidiary circumstance, characteristic, or feature.
2. Music. a sign placed before a note indicating a chromatic alteration of its pitch.

accidental

/ ˌæksɪˈdɛntəl /

adjective

1. occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally
2. nonessential; incidental
3. music denoting sharps, flats, or naturals that are not in the key signature of a piece
4. logic (of a property) not essential; contingent

noun

1. an incidental, nonessential, or supplementary circumstance, factor, or attribute
2. music a symbol denoting a sharp, flat, or natural that is not a part of the key signature

Derived Forms

• ˌacciˈdentally, adverb

Other Words From

• ac·ci·den·tal·ly ac·ci·dent·ly adverb
• ac·ci·den·tal·ness ac·ci·den·tal·i·ty noun
• non·ac·ci·den·tal adjective noun
• non·ac·ci·den·tal·ness noun
• pre·ac·ci·den·tal adjective
• pseu·do·ac·ci·den·tal adjective
• qua·si-ac·ci·den·tal adjective
• un·ac·ci·den·tal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of accidental¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Medieval Latin word accidentālis. See accident, -al ¹

Synonym Study

Accidental, casual, fortuitous all describe something outside the usual course of events. Accidental implies occurring unexpectedly or by chance: an accidental blow. Casual describes a passing event of slight importance: a casual reference. Fortuitous is applied to events occurring without known cause, often of a fortunate or favorable nature: a fortuitous shower of meteors. It often also implies good luck or good fortune: a fortuitous choice leading to rapid advancement.

Example Sentences

A grandmother in rural Zambia has become an accidental style icon and internet sensation - after agreeing to play dress-up and swapping outfits with her fashionista granddaughter.

From BBC

However, there is probably a simple solution for the accidental Celtic crossover.

From BBC

He said Mr Stockton denied causing Charlie's death and both parents would claim his bruises were accidental and the result of "everyday occurrences".

From BBC

Mr Hadush’s officers have removed the fuses from some of the weapons they have found, but even so he says extreme heat or accidental fire could detonate them.

From BBC

The department’s reports do not explain why Sheriff Bianco determined that the death was accidental.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coincidental
• inadvertent
• incidental
• random
• unexpected
• unforeseen
• unintended
• unintentional
• unplanned

More About Accidental

What does accidental mean?

Accidental describes something that happens by chance or without planning, as in The hero has an accidental meeting with the villain early in the movie that sets the hero on his course.

Accidental can also sometimes refer to something that comes about by chance.

Example: We had to sign a contract saying we are aware of the possibility of accidental injury.

Where does accidental come from?

The first records of the term accidental come from around 1350. It ultimately comes from the Medieval Latin accidentālis. Accident refers to something that happens by chance, often something negative. Adding the suffix –al creates a term that can be used to describe something that happens by chance.

Accidental can also mean nonessential or subsidiary. An example of this is to describe an unexpected benefit you receive, such as your office being near a restaurant you enjoy or when a product you buy comes with extra parts. Those with a musical ear will know that an accidental is a marking on sheet music that indicates whether a note should be played as a sharp, natural, or flat.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to accidental?

• accidentally (adverb)
• accidentalness (noun)
• accidentality (noun)
• nonaccidental (adjective, noun)
• nonaccidentally (adverb)

What are some synonyms for accidental?

• coincidental
• inadvertent
• incidental
• random
• unplanned

What are some words that share a root or word element with accidental? 

• accident
• accidentalism
• accidentally on purpose

What are some words that often get used in discussing accidental?

• circumstances
• deaths
• crash

How is accidental used in real life?

Accidental is more often used to discuss something negative, like crashes.

I hate taking accidental naps I just sat down and knocked. I woke up and I’m still just as tired as before except now I’m sweaty and I have bed head

— Ethan Dolan (@EthanDolan) September 19, 2018

Every iPhone X/XS owner has taken a minimum of 10 accidental screenshots thanks to the phone’s button placement. It’s just part of the experience.

— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) February 15, 2019

Made accidental eye contact with the very old man next to me and his response was “take a pic it’ll last longer”. If you need me I’ll be in the burn unit after getting roasted by an 80+ year old.

— SARAYA (@RealPaigeWWE) March 1, 2020

 

 

Try using accidental!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for accidental?

A. unforeseen
B. deliberate
C. unintentional
D. chance