# coincidental

/koʊˌɪnsəˈdɛntəɫ/ (US) · /kəʊˌɪnsɪdˈɛntəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/coincidental
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

happening at the same time by chance, not because one thing caused the other. You use this to describe two events that are not connected.

For teachers: occurring at the same time by chance or without any direct connection. Often used to describe events that appear related but are actually independent.

## Examples

- It was a coincidental meeting at the park.
- The two companies were founded on the same day, though their success was purely coincidental.
- While the timing of the two events appeared suspiciously coincidental to the public, the investigators found no evidence of a prearranged plan.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.