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
That will give adjoining passengers a bit more elbow room and an extra table – for an additional cost, of course. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 24 July 2026 The adjoining high-rise, built in 1960, was expanded with a 16-story addition that horizontally bumped out the existing top dozen floors and put four more stories on the top. Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026
Verb
Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Henson moved to metro Atlanta as a toddler and grew up in Paulding County, with strong ties to adjoining Douglas County. Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 7 May 2026 Extend a small bedroom When confronted with a room adjoining a small patio space, try combining them! Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjoining
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjoining
Adjective
  • The interesting question is where the departing dollars went, and the answer is visible in an adjacent market.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Planning Director Cori Reaume told the council that the specific use permits means city staff would consider noise, water systems and effects of data centers on adjacent properties.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • The location at 601 South Main Street has now expanded into a neighboring storefront, doubling in size to 2,500 square feet.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
  • It is mostly concentrated in remote Ituri province, which accounts for nearly 90% of cases, but there have been others confirmed in five provinces including one of Congo’s largest cities, Kisangani, and in neighboring Uganda.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Charlotte’s population is growing rapidly, with the city adding more residents over any other in the past year.
    Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
  • Teams have flown thousands of kilometres between games over these six weeks, adding unnecessary fatigue and logistical challenges.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • The front end is particularly imposing, with twin LED headlights flanking a broad grille and a substantial-looking skid plate beneath the bumper.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • There’s a massive plant wall flanking one side of the Main Hall, with about 1,200 pots of living greens.
    Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Curtis still felt strongly about Georgia, but the idea of joining Vanderbilt began to gain steam.
    Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • North America's soccer body on Thursday rejected FIFA president Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors, joining European nations in opposition.
    CBS News, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • The first question that comes to mind surrounding the Dolphins deals with quarterback Malik Willis.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • Secret Service officials said attendees will face airport-style screening, fewer access points, and restricted surrounding streets.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • In addition to the startling experience of touching the remains of an animal that lived hundreds of millions of years ago, contact with the Mastodonsaurus offers an opportunity to reflect on the future, those involved in the project said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • As a result, the person could control the robotic hand without touching it.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • Directly abutting the northern end of the state beach, the property was purchased last year for $10 million by the Peninsula Open Space Trust, an environmental group based in Palo Alto, from the family of Walter Bridge.
    Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 July 2026
  • Even greater privacy is afforded into the future by its abutting the 140 acres of Sherrif’s Meadow conservation land.
    Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjoining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjoining. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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