Definition of contiguousnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of contiguous are adjacent, adjoining, and juxtaposed. While all these words mean "being in close proximity," contiguous implies having contact on all or most of one side.

offices in all 48 contiguous states

When might adjacent be a better fit than contiguous?

While in some cases nearly identical to contiguous, 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 can adjoining be used instead of contiguous?

While the synonyms adjoining and contiguous are close in meaning, adjoining definitely implies meeting and touching at some point or line.

had adjoining rooms at the hotel

When would juxtaposed be a good substitute for contiguous?

The words juxtaposed and contiguous can be used in similar contexts, but 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 contiguous The grounds cover nearly an acre over two contiguous parcels — with a pool, sport court and enough off-street parking for more than 12 cars. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026 The acquisition follows a familiar strategy for Griffin, who has made a habit of buying contiguous properties and stitching them together. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026 Drought in the contiguous United States has reached record levels for this time of year, weather data show. Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026 Drought in the contiguous United States has reached record levels for this time of year, weather data shows. CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contiguous
Adjective
  • Police tried pulling him over around the area of Beverly and San Vicente boulevards, a major intersection adjacent to the Beverly Center shopping mall and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
  • Immediately adjacent to the community room is a dance studio with large floor-to-ceiling windows.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • The article said Iran considers the Strait of Hormuz strategically linked to its national security, and that any long-term governance or operational structure for the waterway should be determined through regional dialogue, particularly with neighboring coastal states.
    May 6, CBS News, 6 May 2026
  • Its distinctive mansard roof, cast-iron details and granite columns reflected the optimism of the post-Civil War era, and stand out next to its neighboring neoclassical buildings.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • For more active wellbeing, the adjoining Holistic Pavilion hosts yoga, Pilates, and meditation, once again amid the ancient trees.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
  • The New York Times reported in 1993 that CBS paid approximately $4 million for the theater and the adjoining office building.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contiguous. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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