1
as in accidental
happening by chance
an incidental meeting of two ships in the middle of the Atlantic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in minor
lacking importance
we still have to work out a few incidental details, but the proposal is largely complete
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in nonessential
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of incidental
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
22 June 2026
In this way, what begins as an incidental cue can gradually develop into a more specialized signal that helps coordinate cooperation between species.
—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
20 June 2026
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
4 Dec. 2025
As any Spinal Tap fan can attest, the choice of location for the band's swan song is far from incidental.
—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incidental
Adjective
Too much time is devoted to elevating one-note supporting characters and their incidental solo missions, and too little time is given to the star attraction, the man from outer space, the guy with a face worthy of comparing to the Mona Lisa.
—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
22 June 2026
In this way, what begins as an incidental cue can gradually develop into a more specialized signal that helps coordinate cooperation between species.
—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
20 June 2026
Noun
Officials ruled the hit incidental, though Olszewski left the game and didn’t return with a head injury.
—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
4 Dec. 2025
As any Spinal Tap fan can attest, the choice of location for the band's swan song is far from incidental.
—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incidental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incidental
Adjective
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Fire departments have also partnered with the APA to hand out buckets so consumer fireworks users can douse used fireworks, reducing the risk of accidental fires.
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While many may have had one as children, the inception of the toy was accidental.
Adjective
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Three other people in the vehicle, including a 6-month-old, had minor injuries, the report said.
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The adult and child had minor to moderate injuries and were taken to the hospital, the fire department said.
Noun
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Anything deemed nonessential would be put on hold, so Americans could experience delays with certain services and hundreds of thousands of federal workers will go without pay.
Adjective
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Name the worry out loud, then choose a small boundary that protects your energy, such as turning off notifications during a demanding task.
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People milled about clutching small rainbow flags from the human rights organization Outright International.
Noun
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Ubie Health warns that overeating gummies can mean extra sugar, calories and fillers, while under-dosing can blunt the strength and performance benefits people expect.
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Made with real fruit and berry purees, the gel and gummies are vegan, non-GMO, and free from unnecessary fillers.
Adjective
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Selena Gomez took the little black dress to a new level ahead of longtime friend Taylor Swift’s wedding.
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That little green or yellow can in the grocery store that boasts pictures of pears, cherries, grapes, and other fruit on the label?
Noun
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In-home help for 44 hours of care a week rose to about $80,080 last year, according to a March report from CareScout, a subsidiary of Genworth Financial.
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Companies like Vantor and Planet sell imagery to a variety of customers, for example, while others like SpaceX (via its subsidiary Starlink) and Viasat provide internet service from above.
Adjective
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There's a marginal risk of severe weather near the Twin Cities, with a slight risk in the central and northwestern part of the state.
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Man, to see that Curaçao player — in a moment that’s quite important to him, that is earned over so many years of effort — give a slight nod to the invisible man, that warms my heart and brings a smile to my face.
Cite this Entry
“Incidental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incidental. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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