incidental Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun (frequently plural) an expense not budgeted or not specified
   incidental expense; minor expense.
   
   • he requested reimbursement of $7 for incidental expenses
2. noun an item that is incidental
   
3. adjective (sometimes followed by `to') minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature or occurring as a chance concomitant or consequence
   incident.
   
   • 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
4. adjective satellite not of prime or central importance
   nonessential.
   
   • nonessential to the integral meanings of poetry"- Pubs.MLA
5. adjective satellite following or accompanying as a consequence
   concomitant; accompanying; consequent; attendant; resultant; sequent; ensuant.
   
   • 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

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