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 of coincidental

• coincident
• concurrent
• synchronous
• synchronic

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

The men’s and women’s national teams have had different experiences within their federation, but their emerging epoch is not coincidental. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Perhaps, Hanania concluded, these commonalities were not coincidental. — Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026

Morocco's ascent to becoming a respected contender at the World Cup is not coincidental. — Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 9 July 2026

That Iran targeted Bahrain likely was not coincidental. — Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 27 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

coincident + -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for coincidental

• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• fundamental
• governmental
• incidental
• incremental
• instrumental
• interdental
• monumental

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