incidental

1. 1

   Loosely associated; of limited relevance except indirectly; only accidentally related.

   • That character, though colorful, is incidental to the overall plot.
   • incidental evidence
2. 2

   Existing tangentially, being a byproduct, a tangent, or a likely consequence.

   • Injuries are incidental to contact sports: they're going to happen.
3. 3

   Occurring by chance.

4. 4

   Entering or approaching, prior to reflection (more frequently incident).

syn. contingent · serendipitous

ant. inevitable · necessary · impossible · intentional

1. 1

   Minor items, not further defined. Incidental expense.

   • She's costing us a lot in incidentals.
2. 2

   Something that is incidental.