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 sale price was not disclosed, but Uechtritz said the deal covered both contiguous ranches as well as some adjacent property. Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan. 2026 California has the highest bear population estimate in the contiguous United States. Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026 Floors at Block 162 are bigger, and the company’s space will be contiguous. Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026 This trail is part of the Three Gorges Segment, spanning about 32 contiguous miles of the trail. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contiguous
Adjective
  • The original diamond—built specifically for the 1989 movie using two adjoining farms and preserved exactly as seen on screen—remains the heart of the attraction, but a sparkling new pro ballpark and adjacent museum are set to open by mid-June.
    Taryn Shorr-Mckee, Midwest Living, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Its strikingly unusual forms might have risen from the ooze of the adjacent La Brea Tar Pits.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Georgia and neighboring Southeastern states were expected to see dangerously cold temperatures starting Monday, before lows dip into the teens and even single digits Tuesday morning.
    Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • One of the options is a helicopter flight to Bryce Canyon and Zion as well as the Grand Canyon, which is located in neighboring Arizona, departing directly from the resort’s helipad that’s set among sandstone towers.
    Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Buddha-Bar Beach, meanwhile, is the place to go for post-beach sundowners or sultry pan-Asian dinners that turn into drinks and dancing at the adjoining bar.
    Sophie Prideaux, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Jan. 2026
  • The primary suite includes an private adjoining study that’s convertible to another bedroom.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contiguous. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on contiguous

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