Search Dictionary
Definition of accidentally

accidentally

/ˌæk.sɪˈdɛn.tə.li/
ac · ci · den · tal · ly
Adjective:accidental
JUMP TO:

accidentally Lexical Profile

accidentally Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

By chance or mistake; unintentionally or unexpectedly.

Example

"She accidentally deleted the entire presentation file just minutes before the meeting began."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for accidentally
Antonyms
View all antonyms for accidentally

Word Nuance & Usage

"Accidentally" is sometimes mispronounced and misspelled as "accidently" due to syncope in rapid speech, though "accidentally" remains the only standard written form. It should also be distinguished from "incidentally," which means by way of an aside or as a minor accompaniment rather than by mistake.

• Rhymes for accidentally

• Nearby Words

accessory
accident
accidental
accidentally
acclaim
acclaimed
acclamation

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from "accidental" plus the adverbial suffix "-ly," ultimately tracing back to the Latin verb "accidere" (to happen or fall upon), from "ad-" (to) and "cadere" (to fall).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Accidentally. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/accidentally
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.