English · Word Candidate

incidentally

/ˌɪnsɪˈdɛntl̩i/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

In an incidental manner. — By happenstance; in a particular case which has little to no bearing on, and little to no causal relation to, any other case.

Adverb

Examples

Near-synonyms: coincidentally, happenstantially, circumstantially, by chance, accidentally, semirandomly, randomly

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

In an incidental manner. — Not of central or critical importance.

Adverb

Examples

Near-synonym: in passing

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “incidentally” mean?

In an incidental manner. — By happenstance; in a particular case which has little to no bearing on, and little to no causal relation to, any other case.

Is “incidentally” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.