Definition of adjoiningnext

adjoining

2 of 2

verb

present participle of adjoin
1
2

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of adjoining are adjacent, contiguous, and juxtaposed. While all these words mean "being in close proximity," adjoining definitely implies meeting and touching at some point or line.

had adjoining rooms at the hotel

Where would adjacent be a reasonable alternative to adjoining?

While in some cases nearly identical to adjoining, 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 is contiguous a more appropriate choice than adjoining?

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

offices in all 48 contiguous states

When might juxtaposed be a better fit than adjoining?

In some situations, the words juxtaposed and adjoining are roughly equivalent. However, 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 adjoining
Adjective
One idea proposed has been to keep the bridge open to pedestrian and bike traffic and build an adjoining bridge, or nearby bridge, for cars. — Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 Another is a type of wellness escape with an adjoining sunroom. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
Each cabin showcases a unique colorway, custom finishes, and adjoining en suites with marble detailing. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 July 2026 Safa Muhammad lives in the townhomes adjoining the lot, and attended the open house with some neighbors. — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjoining
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjoining
Adjective
  • And although Lichtenstein wasn’t gay, there’s enough irony about gender in his early work to qualify him as being interestingly gay-adjacent.
    — Hilton Als, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In 2022, Kenwood bought two adjacent lots on Sanders Avenue for $325,000 to address the parking constraints.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The first few days of Riyadh Season have gone ahead with little incident, even if participants were forced to divert to other cities or even neighboring Bahrain or Kuwait before being ferried back to the Saudi capital.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The delivery issues in Broward contrast with those in neighboring Miami-Dade County, where election officials reported no mail delivery problems.
    — Joan Murray, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Many African policymakers responded that advanced economies built their wealth on coal and oil, adding that Africa accounts for less than 4% of global carbon emissions.
    — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid Forward La Liga also issued an official statement expressing deep regret over the hurt caused to Chinese fans by Mbappé's remarks, adding that his personal views do not represent the Spanish league's position.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The pendants by Apparatus hang over custom nightstands flanking the bed.
    — Rembert Browne, Architectural Digest, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Bönan is also overseeing the renovation of Kiton’s six-story townhouse and showroom on East 54th Street in New York, expected to be completed in 2027 to become a new flagship, flanking the existing unit on Madison Avenue.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Carney has ruled out formally joining the EU and said any enhanced partnership would face a vote in Canada's Parliament.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Nerys Amber Stocks is also joining the cast for the special as Lucy, the Haywards’ housekeeper.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The surrounding business and residential areas temporarily lost power.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Much like the brand, which leans toward natural fibers and emphasizes sustainability, the focus here is on the surrounding sea and forest.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Moore was convicted in 2013 in an unrelated incident of inappropriately touching a 16-year-old boy.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Four years later, that team runs 40% cheaper and 94% of routine employee questions get resolved without a person touching them.
    — Billy Biggs, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Upon passing through a deep portico entryway abutting an attached two-car garage, a vaulted reception gallery sits beneath a prominent glass atrium.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Built in 1985 on a triangular lot abutting Elysian Park in Solano Canyon, Herman has spent the last four decades working and living in a house designed by his friend, architect Frederick Fisher of Frederick Fisher and Partners.
    — Marissa Gluck, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjoining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjoining. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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