incident 1 of 2

incident

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word incident distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of incident are circumstance, episode, event, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

When would circumstance be a good substitute for incident?

In some situations, the words circumstance and incident are roughly equivalent. However, circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When can episode be used instead of incident?

The words episode and incident can be used in similar contexts, but episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

In what contexts can event take the place of incident?

While the synonyms event and incident are close in meaning, event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When might occurrence be a better fit than incident?

While in some cases nearly identical to incident, occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

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 incident
Noun
The Department of Energy’s order is effective through 10 a.m. on Christmas Day, and grid operators are to provide detailed reporting to the Energy Department and complete a post-incident special environmental analysis, a department spokesperson said in an email. Dallas News, 24 Dec. 2022 At Black Hat, the researchers argued that this strategy should also be applied to cyber-incident investigations. Kim Key, PCMAG, 11 Aug. 2022
Adjective
Protestors were seen gathering at the port in Tunis following the incident. Callum Sutherland, Time, 10 Sep. 2025 The Leagues Cup and MLS handed down sanctions following the Leagues Cup post-game brawl between Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders, and the Luis Suarez spitting incident postgame. Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incident
Noun
  • On Wednesday afternoon, Turning Point USA founder and right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck during a speaking event at Utah Valley University.
    Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The latest commitment will allow Startup Junkie to continue the program for three years and expand the team's capacity to serve clients and prospective borrowers with more resources, hands-on support and events.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The song, which begins with the soft sound of an acoustic guitar, transforms into an orchestral accompaniment with string arrangements by Roberto Verástegui.
    Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Many of us who are raised on or reformed by incomparable low-and-slow Southern pork barbecue appreciate cabbage slaw as a classic accompaniment, whether spooned onto our plate (AKA our tray) or inside a sandwich bun.
    Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The AirPods Pro 3 box will include a lanyard loop, documentation, and the new five-size silicone eartips, alongside the earbuds and their accompanying charging case.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Depending on the accompanying band, Ultra 3 models start at $799 or $899.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Nevertheless, the Phillies and Marlins teams were aware that few things are as exciting for a young fan as getting a home run ball.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
  • This homey boutique is a one-stop shop for all things Durango.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In their 2014 manifesto, the European leftist collective Plan C wrote that each age of capitalism comes with an attendant affect.
    P.E. Moskowitz September 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The conference call did not so much address the controversy as paint the campaigns — and the attendant exposure — as a kind of marketing masterclass.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Jones asserted that exigent circumstances warranted the shortening of the 15-day notice window.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Download and listen to this episode of Biscuits & Jam with Charlotte Moss on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or everywhere podcasts are available.
    Sid Evans, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
  • What is the Only Murders in the Building season 5 episode release schedule?
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • President Trump attended an important summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and concomitant energy infrastructure at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh on July 15th, 2025.
    Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The decline of men and concomitant rise of women in Democratic voting ranks has been observed for decades and is not expected to change drastically soon.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Incident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incident. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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