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 trauma Miami Dolphins fans experience isn’t accidental.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
-
The difference in these teams after this opening act — 80 minutes of often great, mostly white-knuckled hockey — was an accidental flip of the puck out of play for a two-minute penalty near the end of overtime.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
5 June 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
-
In total, 27 people were taken to the hospital, including two with serious injuries, and 20 others were treated at the scene for minor injuries, according to Dave Kitchin of North West Ambulance Service.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
Farmers watered their crops less, and saw smaller harvests as a result.—
Annika Merrilees,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
-
Yes, Georgia and Paul split this season as the blowback from the trial — and Paul's support of Proposition 38, disastrous for small businesses — imperiled his mayoral career.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
7 June 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
-
In Madrid, little is known about Bellingham’s social life.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
-
That is why the reappraisal of Biden’s physical and mental abilities while in office has so far done little to reassure the public.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Spain has canceled a deal for anti-tank missile systems that were to be manufactured in Madrid by a subsidiary of an Israeli company in a bid to move away from Israeli military technology, the Defense Ministry said Tuesday.—
Brittany Williams,
Arkansas Online,
4 June 2025
-
This consent order, related to a financial subsidiary of Wells Fargo, prevented the bank from acquiring or holding interest in new financial subsidiaries without consulting with the OCC first.—
Catherine Muccigrosso,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
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 10 Jun. 2025.
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