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.
At the same time, Babs’s youngest daughter, Sis, has gone missing, which doesn’t seem at all like a coincidence. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 June 2025 That, however, wasn’t the big coincidence, as the sisters are close and have known about their relationship for many years. Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 25 June 2025 On the other hand, the urge to return and return to a certain recognizable life experience—like adolescence—is probably not a coincidence. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025 What connects Aesop, Le Labo, Byredo, Tekla, and Diptyque isn’t a coincidence. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 24 June 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 8 Jul. 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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