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

Examples 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 hit series chronicles the Dutton family, who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 8 Dec. 2024 Since 2003, those percentages have varied widely from year to year, from only 17.6% last year to a whopping 63% of the contiguous U.S. in 2009, Weather.com said. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024 There are also widespread winter weather warnings across the contiguous U.S., with winter weather advisories, lake effect snow warnings, cold weather advisories and winter storm warnings blanketing northern states. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 Design District, Dogpatch, and Potrero Hill Sheth is also excited about venues and institutions in and around Potrero Hill, Dogpatch, and the emerging Design District, which is contiguous with the Mission. Jessica Ritz, AFAR Media, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contiguous 

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Thesaurus Entries Near contiguous

Cite this Entry

“Contiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contiguous. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contiguous

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