Synonyms for

Accidentally

Verb / ˌæksʌˈdentʌli: / / ˌæksʌˈdenʌli: / Another word for accidentally — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Accidentally means happening by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally.

Synonyms & similar words

deliberately unexpectedly circumstantially unintentionally intentionally bychance incidentally unintentionally unexpectedly inadvertently mistakenly unwittingly unconsciously involuntarily casually mindlessly fortuitously haphazardly randomly unplanned unforeseen unintended unpredictable unpremeditated unthinking unmeant

Synonyms by register

Formal

inadvertently unintentionally fortuitously casually

Informal

by mistake on accident by accident unwittingly

Literary

chance-wise haplessly unawares

Antonyms

intentionally deliberately purposefully consciously planned designed voluntarily

Common collocations

  • accidentally deleted
  • accidentally spilled
  • accidentally bumped
  • accidentally discovered
  • accidentally sent
  • accidentally hit
  • accidentally dropped

Word family

noun accident
adjective accidental
adverb accidentally

Usage note

While 'on accident' is common in informal speech, 'by accident' is traditionally considered more grammatically correct. 'Accidentally' implies a lack of intent.

Example sentences

  1. I accidentally spilled my drink on the floor.
  2. He accidentally bumped into the table and knocked over the vase.
  3. She accidentally left her phone at home.
  4. We accidentally took the wrong turn and got lost.
  5. They accidentally double-booked the room for the meeting.

Quotes

  • "I don't think anything happens by coincidence... There is a reason and a meaning for everything." - Kate McGahan
  • "Coincidences mean you're on the right path." - Simon Van Booy
  • "Coincidences are spiritual puns." - G.K. Chesterton

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