accidentally

adverb

Definition of accidentallynext
as in inadvertently

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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 accidentally Like a number of Love’s utterances, this one seemed accidentally perfect. — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026 During her tenure, the office accidentally leaked voting system passwords, mailed voter registration postcards to 30,000 non-citizens, and lost a critical report taxpayers paid $25,000 to produce. — Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 2026 Perkin had accidentally invented the world’s first synthetic dye. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026 Earlier this week, a developer version of a Mac computer software update accidentally included references to several upcoming Apple products, including a video of the AirPods with cameras in action. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accidentally
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accidentally
  1. inadvertently
  2. unintentionally
  3. unwittingly
  4. unconsciously
  5. fortuitously
  6. carelessly
  7. casually
Adverb
  • Krishna Karamkar jumped into floodwaters on July 19 when one of his two sons inadvertently fell into the overflowing Dikhow, which is a tributary of the Brahmaputra.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • But just as Dunham inadvertently evokes strong, sometimes delusional emotions in both her peers and the public, so does Portman.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of inadvertently
Adverb
  • Not talking about the consequences of life-threatening weight loss could unintentionally send a message that unhealthy levels of thinness is an ideal body type to aspire to.
    — Miranda Roberts, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026
  • People have introduced plants beyond their native ranges for centuries both intentionally and unintentionally.
    — Dr. Lauren Kurtz, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of unintentionally
Adverb
  • The case led in 2022 to investigations of four German museums that in some cases unwittingly acted as intermediaries for sales between the dealers and art museums worldwide.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Perhaps unwittingly, a casual investor who tries to diversify with a S&P 500 index fund is staking a third of their investment in the Magnificent Seven.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of unwittingly
Adverb
  • But in reality, of course, this is just happening almost unconsciously.
    — Jinae West, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026
  • His opinion will be better received, and people will unconsciously be giving his appearance green flags and listening without any distraction.
    — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of unconsciously
Adverb
  • And fortuitously, Napalm Death, who played a 19-minute set, espouse the same lefty politics as NPR, in fact maybe even a little more leftist, all things considered, since Barney Greenway wore a Crass T-shirt to the gig.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026
  • Dean Fleischer Camp directed the film, which was originally meant to stream on Disney+, but fortuitously, things changed and, in 2024, the film was given a theatrical release.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 12 June 2026
Definition of fortuitously
Adverb
  • Since it was designated the first national recreation area in 1964, hordes of visitors have cut Lake Mead’s glassy surface with jet skis and boats, carelessly dropping belongings that may now wash up on shore.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Kylese Perryman claims his rights were violated, saying investigators carelessly and incorrectly identified him as the man responsible for a violent felony.
    — Ubah Ali, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of carelessly
Adverb
  • König suggests strength training and reformer Pilates before casually adjusting my slightly uneven hips with chiropractic confidence.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Neece is calmly and casually kind, like a faithful bloodhound without jowls.
    — Emma Madden, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of casually

Browse Nearby Words

accidental
accidentally
accidents
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Cite this Entry

“Accidentally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accidentally. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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