1
2
3
as in cause
someone or something responsible for a result
the missing money proved to be the occasion of much strife between the two brothers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in event
something that happens
weddings are generally happy occasions
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to cause
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)
the announcement concerning the change in scheduling occasioned much confusion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 occasion
Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Disappointing too was the loss of two major events planned this March to bring global players in close connect with manufacturers, and an occasion to highlight the gains in the industry in 2025.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Mar. 2026
Shuffling off this mortal coil need not occasion grief, however.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for occasion
Noun
Some relatives traveled from the East Coast for the occasion.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Disappointing too was the loss of two major events planned this March to bring global players in close connect with manufacturers, and an occasion to highlight the gains in the industry in 2025.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
And given our political moment, there’s something useful about revisiting the rage occasioned by Clinton, Reagan, and Bush.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Mar. 2026
Shuffling off this mortal coil need not occasion grief, however.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for occasion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occasion
Noun
-
In January 2023, McCarthy again moved to block Swalwell's reappointment to the Intelligence Committee after Republicans reclaimed the House majority, this time succeeding.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Rachel Barber The national average retail price of a gallon of gasoline surpassed $4 for the first time in more than three years, as the Iran war continues to drive oil costs up and raise prices at the pump.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The rapid proliferation of art biennials in the ’90s gave them plenty of opportunities and reflected a world reorganizing itself after the Cold War.—
Daniel Birnbaum,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Shamet was fouled on the play and missed the and-one free throw, but second-year backup big man Ariel Hukporti grabbed the offensive rebound to create a second shot opportunity.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The cause of the woman's death has not yet been determined, and police have not released her name.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The Union League, in contrast, was for those who could demonstrate their commitment to the national cause, and its clubhouse quickly became a place to get the latest news from the Southern battlefields.—
Michael Gorra,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The event features a diverse lineup of live music and art along with food, craft beverages and art installations.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Justin Gaethje, lightweight interim champion — Coming off an upset of Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 in January to claim the interim belt, Gaethje will face Ilia Topuria in the main event of the UFC White House card on June 14.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Armas brings a background in Major League Soccer, having previously coached the NY Red Bulls (2018-20), Toronto FC (2021) and Colorado Rapids (2023-25).—
PJ Green
April 5,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2026
-
There’s still a niche, though, for the righty starters who bring less heat.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At the same time, groups like the nonpartisan Latino Victory Project, which focuses on developing Hispanic political leadership, said this current moment should not distract from the still-ongoing civil rights battles.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
But for me, at least, the direction is neither sufficiently cohesive or detailed, in that crucial moment-by-moment way, to really pull all of these different strands together to offer much more than a chance to have fun with genre stereotypes or relive a favorite movie.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Analysis of past avalanche accidents has indicated that larger group sizes (4 or more people) have higher chances of being caught in avalanches.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Saturday is the better day to get outside, as the chance for rain is fairly low.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At a time when festivals like Sol Blume, Goldensky and Breakaway have been cancelled or postponed, citing costs or unforeseen circumstances, Channel 24 credits the Sacramento community as the key to their success.—
Madisen Keavy,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Her engaging novels feature memorable characters facing unique and complex circumstances, often against a backdrop of historical significance.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Occasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasion. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
