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 The agency found seven incidents of collisions with chains or gates between 2022 and 2024, and an internal Waymo investigation found the occurrence of nine more similar incidents in 2024. —Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025 The other two occurrences happened late in last year’s playoff run. —Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 16 May 2025 While a nuisance to some, the bugs' presence marks a rare occurrence as the Brood XIV class is emerging for the first time since 2008. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 11 May 2025 Large-scale missile and drone attacks, which have been a near-daily occurrence in Ukraine in recent weeks, were not recorded since 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Ukraine’s air force said. —Illia Novikov, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for occurrence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurrence
  1. event
  2. incident
  3. circumstance
  4. thing
Noun
  • Implement Real-Time Security Observability • Employ real-time logging and monitoring in cloud environments to track security events.
    — Harini Shankar, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • The conference is a national event for school board members and education leaders to network, learn about trends and best practices and discuss important issues facing public education, according to the consortium’s website.
    — Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • The incident occurred on Cleveland Street near a Sherwin-Williams facility at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time, per KDKA News, citing local police.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 29 May 2025
  • The incident's central command constantly receives progress reports from firefighters on the ground.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of incident
Noun
  • The circumstances illuminate a pressing issue in award campaigning: the lack of rigorous oversight in category placement.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 28 May 2025
  • And, while the circumstances of this stranding are unusual, cetacean strandings in general are a relatively common occurrence.
    — Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
Definition of circumstance
Noun
  • There are worse things that can be done to good government than junking Humphrey’s Executor, and Trump is busily engaged in many of them.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 29 May 2025
  • And doing that amount of blood coming out of Barry’s neck is a one-take thing.
    — Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 29 May 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 2 Jun. 2025.

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