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 settlement would divide the West Bank into north and south, making a contiguous Palestinian state impossible, while splitting East Jerusalem – viewed as the capital of such a state – from the rest of the territory. Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 This offer is valid for standard shipping (3–5 business days) to a single eligible delivery address within the contiguous United States. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2026 Federal Aviation Administration Departures from the contiguous United States to Denver are experiencing an average delay of 114 minutes. Christa Swanson, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026 July was also the warmest month on record for the contiguous United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with an average temperature of nearly 77 degrees. Meghan O'Brien, States Newsroom, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contiguous
Adjective
  • Sitting at a conference room table adjacent to the Packers’ locker room, Kraft unfurls his left arm to explain each of his tattoos.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Lounging and relaxing poolside is taken very seriously with an ample supply of chaise lounges and umbrellas lining all four pools (three family pools and one adults-only pool), and an adjacent private beach and lagoon.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The neighboring Iranian port cities of Chabahar and Konarak on the Gulf of Oman, which host key commercial, maritime and military infrastructure, also came under attack.
    Zachary Cohen, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Lake’s drop of about 200 students, far smaller than in neighboring districts, likely reflects the limited number of private schools in the county, making vouchers less viable for many families, officials have said.
    Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Meals can be enjoyed at the breakfast bar, in the adjoining casual dining area, or in the formal dining room.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The proper bathroom is tucked in a separate but adjoining tent towards the back.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contiguous. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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