Definition of adjacentnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of adjacent are adjoining, contiguous, and juxtaposed. While all these words mean "being in close proximity," 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 could adjoining be used to replace adjacent?

While in some cases nearly identical to adjacent, adjoining definitely implies meeting and touching at some point or line.

had adjoining rooms at the hotel

When would contiguous be a good substitute for adjacent?

While the synonyms contiguous and adjacent are close in meaning, contiguous implies having contact on all or most of one side.

offices in all 48 contiguous states

When can juxtaposed be used instead of adjacent?

Although the words juxtaposed and adjacent have much in common, 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 adjacent Many remains never were found, and a couple of years ago, workers in the adjacent Denver Botanical Gardens dug up an arm bone. Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026 And while most of the bourbon in Kentucky is produced outside the city, downtown once housed a concentration of bourbon-adjacent businesses dubbed Whiskey Row. Adam Sachs, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026 The windows of an adjacent building also appear to have been damaged in the attack. Moriah Thomas, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026 In recent years, several demonstrations have expanded onto adjacent freeways, grinding traffic to a halt. Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adjacent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adjacent
Adjective
  • For larger groups or families, the already massive two-bedroom penthouse can become a three-bedroom behemoth thanks to an optional adjoining suite.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • An adjoining lounge area spills out to a terrace with a fire pit and the lush garden beyond.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But it is also engaged in its most severe fighting in decades with neighboring Afghanistan, a conflict that has been largely overshadowed by the war in the Middle East.
    Marin Scott, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The shift also orphaned blocs of conservatives swept into neighboring districts long held by Democrats, turning the seats a lighter shade of blue, but blue nonetheless.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adjacent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adjacent. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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