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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incidental
Ruby Rorty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025
This is true when there are incidental findings — asymptomatic abnormalities that may or may not be clinically important.
—Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 19 Feb. 2025
Visa Infinite: Offers the highest levels of protection and premium perks like airport lounge access and airline incidentals statement credit.
—Ryley Amond, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incidental
Adjective
Programs that nominally reimburse donors for incidental costs are either means-tested against recipients or only offer reimbursement after donation, meaning donors must be able to afford lost wages and other costs upfront.
—Ruby Rorty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025
This is true when there are incidental findings — asymptomatic abnormalities that may or may not be clinically important.
—Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
—Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 19 Feb. 2025
Visa Infinite: Offers the highest levels of protection and premium perks like airport lounge access and airline incidentals statement credit.
—Ryley Amond, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incidental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incidental
Adjective
-
The coroner found that no foul play was involved, and that his death was accidental.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
-
The accidental shooting unfolded on Wednesday inside an apartment in northeast D.C., located on 1700 block of Benning Road.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
Paramedics rushed 27 victims to hospital, including two who were said to be seriously wounded, while a further 20 fans were treated at the scene for minor injuries.—
Chloe Mayer
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
-
Ambulances took 27 people to the hospital, including two with serious injuries, and another 20 people were treated at the scene for minor injuries, said Dave Kitchin of North West Ambulance Service.—
Brian Melley,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
Ellie finds a small fishing boat to take her across the water to the aquarium.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
26 May 2025
-
Pay Attention to Heavy Metals Some chocolate contains small amounts of cadmium and lead—and dark chocolate tends to be the bigger offender.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
26 May 2025
Noun
-
Dahlias grown from tubers won’t bloom until at least midsummer, so choose something that blooms earlier for the filler to provide color before the dahlias bloom.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 June 2025
-
The filler is made of 100% exclusive Hutterite, a high-quality goose down, and the shell is made of 100% sateen cotton.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
The real Reubens, who died of cancer at 70 in 2023, bore little resemblance to either of these caricatures.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 May 2025
-
Mia said she was kept off-kilter working around the clock for Combs with little sleep.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Other major tech firms, including Microsoft and Google, operate their South African subsidiaries using this economic model.—
Toby Shapshak,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
Microsoft and its GitHub coding platform subsidiary also joined MCP’s steering committee.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
Injuries can range from a slight stretching of the ligament to a complete tear, where the knee becomes unstable.—
Paul McClure
May 31,
New Atlas,
31 May 2025
-
By virtue of no state income tax, Florida, Tampa Bay, Vegas, Dallas and Nashville do enjoy a slight competitive advantage, but the first 14 Cup champions of the cap era didn’t share that same edge.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
Optional extras include a leather carrying case, titanium pocket clip, and a full bit set.—
Ben Coxworth
May 30,
New Atlas,
30 May 2025
-
Boston and Baltimore restarted play just as extras started at the Trop.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incidental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incidental. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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