# coincidentally

/koʊˌɪnsɪˈdɛnəɫi/ (US) · /kəʊˌɪnsɪdˈɛntəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/coincidentally
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

happening at the same time by chance. You use this when two things happen together without anyone planning it.

For teachers: occurring by chance at the same time or in the same place. Often used as a sentence-modifying disjunct to introduce a surprising connection between two events.

## Examples

- Coincidentally, we both wore the same shirt today.
- I was just thinking about my old friend when, coincidentally, she called me on the phone.
- The two researchers published nearly identical findings in the same month, though they had, coincidentally, been working in complete isolation from one another for years.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed at the beginning of a sentence or before the main verb to highlight a chance connection.

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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.