What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
conterminous
Example
The conterminous states of the US are those that share a common border. [conterminous: adjective]
Example
The conterminous regions of the country have similar climates and landscapes. [conterminous: adjective]
contiguous
Example
The contiguous states of the US are those that share a common border. [contiguous: adjective]
Example
The contiguous pages of the book form a coherent narrative. [contiguous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contiguous is more commonly used than conterminous in everyday language. Contiguous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while conterminous is less common and has a more specialized use.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between conterminous and contiguous?
Conterminous is more formal and less commonly used in everyday language, while contiguous is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.