Synonym Chooser

How is the word adjacent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of adjacent are adjoining, contiguous, and juxtaposed. While all these words mean "being in close proximity," adjacent may or may not imply contact but always implies absence of anything of the same kind in between.

a house with an adjacent garage

When could adjoining be used to replace adjacent?

While in some cases nearly identical to adjacent, adjoining definitely implies meeting and touching at some point or line.

had adjoining rooms at the hotel

When would contiguous be a good substitute for adjacent?

While the synonyms contiguous and adjacent are close in meaning, contiguous implies having contact on all or most of one side.

offices in all 48 contiguous states

When can juxtaposed be used instead of adjacent?

Although the words juxtaposed and adjacent have much in common, juxtaposed means placed side by side especially so as to permit comparison and contrast.

a skyscraper juxtaposed to a church

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 adjacent Construction is set to begin in September on the new 90,000-square-foot space that would seat up to 650 people adjacent to the White House’s East Wing. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 31 July 2025 In the courtroom gallery, scores of law enforcement officers — many of them other parole agents and colleagues from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation — looked on, in a crowd that spilled out into the adjacent hallway. Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 22 July 2025 Sometimes, though, children take it too far and their behavior can become adjacent to bullying. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 21 July 2025 The latest issue concerns lack of natural gas service to some adjacent townhouse units as well as air conditioning still being out at one of the four high-rise apartment buildings, Mayor Joseph Woods said Monday. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for adjacent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjacent
adjoining
Adjective
  • The layout flows gently into a spacious kitchen and adjoining living room framed by windows and centered around an inviting fireplace.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Families can also opt for adjoining rooms, providing both privacy and togetherness.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adjacent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjacent. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adjacent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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