incidental meaning and definition

INCIDENTAL noun

Definition of incidental (noun)

1. (frequently plural) an expense not budgeted or not specified
   • "he requested reimbursement of $7 for incidental expenses"
   • synonyms: incidental expense, minor expense
2. an item that is incidental

INCIDENTAL adjective

Definition of incidental (adjective)

1. (sometimes followed by `to') minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature or occurring as a chance concomitant or consequence
   • "incidental expenses"; "the road will bring other incidental advantages"; "extra duties incidental to the job"; "labor problems incidental to a rapid expansion"; "confusion incidental to a quick change"
   • synonyms: incident
   • antonym: basic
2. not of prime or central importance
   • "nonessential to the integral meanings of poetry"- Pubs.MLA
   • synonyms: nonessential
3. following or accompanying as a consequence
   • "an excessive growth of bureaucracy, with attendant problems"; "snags incidental to the changeover in management"; "attendant circumstances"; "the period of tension and consequent need for military preparedness"; "the ensuant response to his appeal"; "the resultant savings were considerable"
   • synonyms: accompanying, attendant, concomitant, consequent, ensuant, resultant, sequent