Thesaurus results for OCCURRENCE

Q: How is the word 'occurrence' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of occurrence are circumstance , episode , event , and incident . While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan. // an encounter that was a chance occurrence

Q: When is it sensible to use 'circumstance' instead of 'occurrence'?

The words circumstance and occurrence can be used in similar contexts, but circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background. // couldn't recall the exact circumstances

Q: In what contexts can 'episode' take the place of 'occurrence'?

Although the words episode and occurrence have much in common, episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident. // a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

Q: When is 'event' a more appropriate choice than 'occurrence'?

In some situations, the words event and occurrence are roughly equivalent. However, event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause. // the events following the assassination

Q: When would 'incident' be a good substitute for 'occurrence'?

The meanings of incident and occurrence largely overlap; however, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance. // a minor wartime incident

occurrence

noun

ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s

Definition of occurrence next

as in event

something that happens life is full of random occurrences

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word occurrence distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of occurrence are circumstance, episode, event, and incident. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

When is it sensible to use circumstance instead of occurrence?

The words circumstance and occurrence can be used in similar contexts, but circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

In what contexts can episode take the place of occurrence?

Although the words episode and occurrence have much in common, episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When is event a more appropriate choice than occurrence?

In some situations, the words event and occurrence are roughly equivalent. However, event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When would incident be a good substitute for occurrence?

The meanings of incident and occurrence largely overlap; however, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of occurrence The last occurrence was from Feb. 2, 1965 to Jan. 20, 1966. —

Bryan West, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025 The official asserted that such occurrences underscore the vital need for transparent AI development practices. —

Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 29 Jan. 2025 Strange occurrences happen almost immediately and Ariel, the smartest in the group, quickly takes note. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Jan. 2025 There are a variety of reasons why this is a common occurrence, says Dr. Robert Gee, assistant dean of student affairs and a behavioral sciences professor at Ross University School of Medicine. —

Angela Haupt, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for occurrence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurrence

Noun

Invest in one year of premium journalism, member-only events and more for just $49.99.

— Forbes, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2025
The eventual goal is 100% plastic-free practices in music events, but the process is gradual and involves education, demonstration, logistics, expansion, planning and execution.

— Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 14 Feb. 2025