Accidentally — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˌak-sə-ˈdent-lē/ ac·ci·dent·al·ly

Meaning & Definition of Accidentally

Accidentally (adverb)

  1. in an accidental or unintended manner, by accident

Accidentally (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in inadvertently, unintentionally

    similar: fortuitously, inadvertently, unconsciously, unintentionally, unwittingly, arbitrarily, capriciously, carelessly, casually, indiscriminately, informally, offhand, offhandedly, promiscuously, whimsically, disconnectedly, disjointedly, fitfully, intermittently, spottily, unpredictably, aimlessly, anyhow, anyway, anywise, desultorily, erratically, haphazard, haphazardly, helter-skelter, hit or miss, irregularly, randomly, willy-nilly, higgledy-piggledy, topsy-turvy
    opposite: methodically, systematically, carefully, formally, gingerly, meticulously, orderly, punctiliously, deliberately, intentionally, purposefully, purposely

Related Entry: Accidental (adjective)

Accidental is a different word from Accidentally. The synonyms below are for accidental, not for accidentally.

  1. happening by chance

    "finding the gold was all the more remarkable because its discovery was entirely accidental"

    similar: casual, chance, fluky, fortuitous, inadvertent, incidental, unintended, unintentional, unplanned, unpremeditated, unwitting
    related: coincidental, freak, odd, aimless, arbitrary, desultory, haphazard, random, uncertain, unexpected, unforeseeable, unforeseen, coerced, forced, involuntary, unconscious, unprompted
    opposite: calculated, deliberate, intended, intentional, planned, premeditated, premeditative, prepense, set
    near: certain, destined, expected, fixed, foreordained, foreseeable, foreseen, inevitable, predestined, predetermined, predictable, preordained, prescribed, sure, conscious, freewill, knowing, unforced, voluntary, volunteer, willful

  2. not being a vital part of or belonging to something

    "we're considering the painting's merit as a work of art, its commercial value being entirely accidental as far as we're concerned"

    similar: adventitious, alien, external, extraneous, extrinsic, foreign, supervenient
    related: exterior, outside, immaterial, inapplicable, insignificant, irrelevant, nonessential, unessential, unnecessary
    opposite: inherent, innate, intrinsic
    near: congenital, deep-seated, inborn, inbred, inside, interior, internal, basic, essential, necessary

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Accidentally

The most common words with a similar meaning to Accidentally:

fortuitously, inadvertently, unconsciously, unintentionally, unwittingly, arbitrarily, capriciously, carelessly, casually, indiscriminately, informally, offhand, offhandedly, promiscuously, whimsically, disconnectedly, disjointedly, fitfully, intermittently, spottily, unpredictably, aimlessly, anyhow, anyway, anywise, desultorily, erratically, haphazard, haphazardly, helter-skelter, hit or miss, irregularly, randomly, willy-nilly, higgledy-piggledy, topsy-turvy

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Accidentally

Words with the opposite meaning of Accidentally:

methodically, systematically, carefully, formally, gingerly, meticulously, orderly, punctiliously, deliberately, intentionally, purposefully, purposely

Origin & Etymology of Accidentally

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Accidentally

Frequently Asked Questions about Accidentally

What does "Accidentally" mean?

"Accidentally" means in an accidental or unintended manner, by accident. As an adverb, it is defined as: in an accidental or unintended manner, by accident.

What is another word for "Accidentally"?

Other words for "Accidentally" include fortuitously, inadvertently, unconsciously, unintentionally, unwittingly, arbitrarily, capriciously and carelessly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Accidentally" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Accidentally"?

There are 36 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Accidentally". Common alternatives include fortuitously, inadvertently, unconsciously, unintentionally, unwittingly, arbitrarily, capriciously, carelessly, casually and indiscriminately.

What is the opposite of "Accidentally"?

Antonyms of "Accidentally" include methodically, systematically, carefully, formally, gingerly, meticulously, orderly and punctiliously.

Is "Accidentally" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Accidentally" is an adverb.

Is "Accidentally" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Accidentally" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Accidentally"?

"Accidentally" is pronounced /ˌak-sə-ˈdent-lē/ and divided into syllables as ac·ci·dent·al·ly.

What is the origin of the word "Accidentally"?

First known use: 14th century.