tangential
adjective/tænˈdʒɛnʃəl/
Frequency rank: #16,748 most common English word
Meaning
Only slightly connected to the main topic; diverging from the central point.

Example sentence
His comment about the weather was completely tangential to the discussion about budget cuts.
Synonyms & related words
- irrelevant
- unrelated
- digressive
- peripheral
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 16,701–16,800
- searchlighta powerful electric light with a concentrated beam that can be turned in any direction.
- singlyone at a time; individually, not in groups.
- stilettoa type of high, thin heel on a shoe, or a slender dagger with a narrow blade.
- stoogea person who is used by another to do unpleasant or dishonest work; a puppet or pawn.
- subjugationthe act of bringing someone or something under complete control by force.
- teardropa single drop of tear fluid, or something having that rounded, tapering shape.
- togaa loose outer garment worn by citizens of ancient Rome, consisting of a single piece of cloth draped around the body.
- transferenceThe redirection of emotions felt toward one person onto another person, especially in a therapeutic setting.
- tribulationa cause of great trouble, suffering, or distress.
- trilla quavering or vibrating sound, especially a rapid alternation between two musical notes.