Synonyms for

Incidental

Adjective / ˌɪnsɪˈdentʌl / Another word for incidental — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

happening as a minor or unplanned part of something else

Synonyms & similar words

consequent sequent resultant basic attendant incident concomitant ensuant nonessential accompanying accidental unintentional secondary subsidiary collateral minor peripheral casual random fortuitous unplanned unexpected unforeseen offhand additional supplementary ancillary auxiliary concomitant

Synonyms by register

Formal

ancillary secondary subsidiary contingent

Informal

extra side bonus additional

Literary

adventitious fortuitous episodic

Antonyms

essential crucial important primary major principal fundamental

Common collocations

  • incidental expenses
  • incidental costs
  • incidental damage
  • incidental music
  • incidental to
  • incidental contact
  • incidental benefit

Word family

noun incident
adverb incidentally

Usage note

Often used to describe something that is not the main purpose or is a minor consequence. Be careful not to confuse with 'incident', which refers to an event.

Compare "incidental" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The bird was incidental to the story.
  2. The rain was incidental to the picnic.
  3. The noise outside was incidental to the movie.
  4. His broken leg was an incidental injury from playing soccer.
  5. The scenery was incidental to the play.

Quotes

  • 'The best things in life are unexpected - because there were no expectations.' - Eli Khamarov
  • 'Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.' - John Lennon
  • 'I don't believe in accidents. There are only encounters in history. There are no accidents.' - Pablo Picasso

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