occurrence

noun

ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s How to pronounce occurrence (audio)
Definition of occurrencenext
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 Mass strandings from toxic algae blooms are becoming almost yearly occurrences. —Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 20 Mar. 2025 If there was no recession, the success rate rose to 93% of the occurrences. —Bill Stone, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 What to know about viewing the rare occurrence How long will totality last? —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 Viruses in wastewater: occurrence, abundance and detection methods PubMed. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for occurrence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurrence
  1. event
  2. incident
  3. circumstance
  4. thing
Noun
  • To submit events To submit a community event for online publication, email information at least two weeks before the event to lake@orlandosentinel.com.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Infantino confirmed in an address to UEFA’s annual congress in Belgrade that the U.S., probably alongside other Concacaf members, had a clear path to stage the event.
    — Samindra Kunti, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • None of the country’s three top circuits have issued any warnings, and one top exhibitor says the vast majority of its showings have been without a major incident.
    — Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • According to the news release from the Los Angeles Police Department, the incident occurred Tuesday afternoon, April 8, after California Highway Patrol requested backup in locating three misdemeanor hit-and-run suspects who fled into a residential neighborhood of Eagle Rock in Los Angeles.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of incident
Noun
  • Although Obama’s circumstances as wife to a president are certainly extraordinary, her comments immediately resonated with women across the country because of their universality.
    — Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Melodrama gets a bad rap for being too exaggerated, and over-the-top but outrageous circumstances beget heightened emotions.
    — Barry Levitt, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of circumstance
Noun
  • And also, thinking about thousands of others going through the same thing.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After the couple’s patient died, the last thing that Teddy wanted to do was discuss the fact that Owen had slept with someone else.
    — Charlie Mason, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of thing

Browse Nearby Words

occurred (to)
occurrence
occurrences
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Occurrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occurrence. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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