Coincidental: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when two or more events happen at the same time by chance but seem related.

• It was purely coincidental that they both wore the same dress to the party
• The meeting was coincidental, as neither of them knew the other would be there

Refers to something happening by chance, usually without a specific plan or intention. Can sometimes have a negative connotation.

• She made an accidental discovery of an old photograph while cleaning the attic
• There was an accidental spill of coffee on the new carpet

Used when something happens that was not anticipated or predicted.

• The sudden thunderstorm was completely unexpected
• She received an unexpected gift from an old friend

Describes something positive happening by chance, often with a sense of luck or good fortune.

• It was fortuitous that they found shelter just before the storm started
• Meeting her future business partner at the conference was fortuitous

Used twice in your list. See the description for 'coincidental' above.

• Their meeting at the coffee shop was purely coincidental.
• It was coincidental that both their birthdays fell on the same day.

Used to describe things that are similar in some ways but do not necessarily intersect. Also used in mathematics and other formal contexts.

• Their careers took parallel paths, although they never collaborated.
• The two roads run parallel to each other for miles.

Used to describe things that relate to each other in a way that makes sense, often showing a direct relationship or equivalence.

• Each student was assigned a corresponding workbook for their grade level.
• The rise in sales had a corresponding increase in production.

Used to describe events or situations that happen at the same time, often in a formal or technical context. Can also be used to describe responsibilities or duties that are held simultaneously.

• The conference has several concurrent sessions on different topics.
• He is serving two concurrent prison sentences.