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
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Recent Examples of incidental
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
If allowed to stand, routine incidental contact could expose coaches to criminal prosecution, creating a chilling effect where adults hesitate to coach at all.
—Brian Maass, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025
That’s nearly $500,000 in revenue per home game just on incidentals.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incidental
Adjective
One minute of incidental vigorous activity prevents premature deaths, heart attacks or strokes as well as about three minutes of moderate activity or 35 to 49 minutes of light activity.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
If allowed to stand, routine incidental contact could expose coaches to criminal prosecution, creating a chilling effect where adults hesitate to coach at all.
—Brian Maass, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
Unless expressly stated, transportation, ground transfers, meals, gratuities, incidentals, resort or facility fees, security deposits, and all other expenses are the sole responsibility of the winner.
—Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025
That’s nearly $500,000 in revenue per home game just on incidentals.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incidental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incidental
Adjective
-
Dressed in his all-white tuxedo and matching skates, camera operator Jordan Cowan has become an accidental star at this year’s Olympic figure skating events in Milan.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Several parents of children who died by suicide or accidental harm linked to online trends are expected to attend the proceedings.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
He was convicted eight years earlier of solicitation of prostitution involving a minor.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The mountains are expected to see minor snowfall going into next week for areas with elevation above 3,000 feet.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
Updated February 20,
Sacbee.com,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
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.—
Caitlyn Kim,
NPR,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But the proposal would only actually impact a small few — billionaires.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The first call for help was a silent text message from an emergency beacon, mobilizing a small army of rescuers dispatched from different directions.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There should be no artificial preservatives or fillers, nor should ingredients influence the effectiveness of the pill.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Next, lay filler material like gravel or loose stones and garden fabric to promote drainage.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
In fact, very little separates them.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
American Economy is a subsidiary of Safeco, which is a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual.—
Dave Lieber,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Exelon could create a new Constellation-esque subsidiary to compete in the normal, non-regulated power generation market, Chandler said.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There used to be a down season in Edinburgh, when Scotland's capital city—with its beautiful Gothic buildings, cobblestoned Royal Mile, and 12th-century castle keeping watch on a hilltop—caught a slight breather from tourists.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Down two goals against an opponent also full of NHL players, the tournament favorite did not look the slightest bit shook.—
Stephen Whyno,
Hartford Courant,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incidental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incidental. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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