Coincident: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when two or more events happen at the same time or place, often by chance, but they may or may not be related.

• Their arrivals were coincident, both reaching the gate at exactly the same moment
• The festival date was coincident with the public holiday

Used to describe something that happens by chance, and is usually unintended and unplanned.

• The fire was caused by an accidental spark
• They met each other in a café by accidental chance

Used to describe something that occurs without being planned in advance.

• Their road trip was totally unplanned, they just decided to go
• The unplanned repairs took longer than expected

Used to describe something that was not anticipated or foreseen, often surprising.

• The sudden storm was unexpected
• His visit was completely unexpected, but pleasant

Describes two or more events occurring at the same time or place; it's often used in technical or specialized contexts.

• The thunder and lightning were coincident with the start of the storm.
• The events were not just similar, they were coincident.

Coherence when two or more events happen at the same time by chance.

• It was a coincidence that we both wore the same shirt today.
• What a coincidence meeting you here!

Agreement in opinion or simultaneous occurrence, often in formal or technical contexts.

• There was a concurrence of opinions among the experts.
• The project was successful due to the concurrence of several favorable factors.

An unexpected and non-deliberate event often causing damage or injury.

• She broke her leg in a car accident.
• The spill was just an accident.