coincidental

[ koh-in-si-den-tl ]

adjective

1. happening by or resulting from coincidence; by chance:

   a coincidental meeting.

2. existing or occurring at the same time.

coincidental

/ kəʊˌɪnsɪˈdɛntəl /

adjective

1. of or happening by a coincidence; fortuitous

Other Words From

• co·inci·dental·ly co·in·ci·dent·ly [koh-, in, -si-d, uh, nt-lee], adverb
• nonco·inci·dental adjective
• nonco·inci·dental·ly adverb
• unco·inci·dental adjective
• unco·inci·dental·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of coincidental¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; coincident + -al ¹

Example Sentences

His highlighting Trump’s remark may not have been coincidental.

From Los Angeles Times

That's called the reverse cat’s eye . . . which may be coincidental, who can say?

From Salon

It was "totally coincidental" the anniversary happened to fall on the pair's wedding anniversary, Mr Tatham said.

From BBC

From Jefferson's optimistic point of view, America was already in the midst of a scientific revolution when its political revolution occurred, and he did not believe this to be coincidental.

From Salon

This is not coincidental; every episode is directed by a woman.

From Salon

Related Words

• circumstantial
• fortuitous
• incidental
• unintentional