coincidence

noun

co·​in·​ci·​dence kō-ˈin(t)-sə-dən(t)s How to pronounce coincidence (audio)
-sə-ˌden(t)s
1
: the act or condition of coinciding : correspondence
… a perfect coincidence between truth and goodness …Robert South
2
: the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection
… causal connection requires something more than mere coincidence as to time and place …Wayne R. LaFave
also : any of these occurrences

Examples of coincidence in a Sentence

It was mere coincidence that brought them together so far from Chicago. By coincidence, every man in the room was named Fred. “I'm going to Boston this weekend.” “What a coincidence! I am too.” It was no coincidence that he quit his job at the bank a day after the robbery. a series of strange coincidences By a fortunate coincidence, we arrived at the theater at the same time. Scientists have no explanation for the coincidence of these phenomena.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Some of the recurring elements at this year’s Cannes Film Festival were coincidences, like the many scenes in which women angrily masturbated, or children bulled one of their own, or a house became a portal into generations of family history. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 27 May 2025 Instead, the characters keep finding themselves in implausibly dangerous situations, where a procession of coincidences might lead to them getting squished, impaled, or otherwise maimed. David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025 Whether the Broncos are following that formula with Jones and Robinson is part of a larger trend or a one-off coincidence will only be revealed with time, but those particular moves will play a big role in how the Broncos try to build their defense long-term. Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 22 May 2025 The White House has said the parade is a celebration of the Army's anniversary, and characterized Trump's birthday falling on the same day as a coincidence. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for coincidence

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin coincidentia, derivative of coincident-, coincidens, present participle of coincidere "to agree in nature, coincide"

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coincidence was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coincidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coincidence. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

coincidence

noun
co·​in·​ci·​dence kō-ˈin(t)-səd-ən(t)s How to pronounce coincidence (audio)
1
: the act or condition of coinciding
2
a
: two things that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection
b
: either one of these happenings

More from Merriam-Webster on coincidence

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