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 Although the Capricorn full moon comes across as rather serious, there is a connection between Saturn—the ruling planet of Capricorn—and Neptune and Pluto, both retrograde, at the time of its occurrence. —Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 10 July 2025 The Gulf provides an infinite source of air over the region, making high rainfall intensities a common occurrence. —ABC News, 7 July 2025 In it, Italian peasants Matteo and Natale discuss this same cosmic occurrence in the rustic Paduan dialect of the time. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 July 2025 Fungal diseases The wet weather has also increased the occurrence of fungal diseases in the landscape. —Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for occurrence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurrence
  1. event
  2. incident
  3. circumstance
  4. thing
Noun
  • The first of these alerts went out shortly after 1 a.m., and local officials began posting about the event on Facebook at around 5 a.m.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • In fact, the blocks were so easy to use that government and company officials who attended the kick-off event helped to build up one of the house’s walls after only a short lesson from Garrett.
    — R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • Qantas Airlines, Australia’s flagship carrier, reported Wednesday that a cyber incident had occurred Monday in one of its contact centers that exposed data for as many as 6 million customers.
    — Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The incident between Colapinto and Piastri occurred in the last stage of the race in Spielberg.
    — Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Definition of incident
Noun
  • The theatrical paradigm is slowed, extended and occasionally reversed by the circumstance.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The schedule may be modified due to weather or other circumstances.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
Definition of circumstance
Noun
  • Meanwhile…things haven’t looked so good for Starbucks in China recently, and not just because its baristas can’t spell names in Chinese characters, either.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 2 July 2025
  • The downside is that each method has a potential reaction from the AGI or ASI that could turn things ugly.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 July 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 18 Jul. 2025.

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