Thesaurus results for OCCURRENCE

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

occurrence

noun

ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s

Definition of occurrence next

as in event

something that happens life is full of random occurrences

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 These occurrences could not be chalked up to individual choices. —

Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Research has found mail-voting fraud and voting by noncitizens are exceedingly rare occurrences. —

Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 29 June 2026 The three liberals dissented, and Justice Sonia Sotomayor read a summary of her dissent from the bench, a rare occurrence that signals strong disagreement with a decision. —

Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 29 June 2026 In early January 2027, that kind of federal government pressure may become a regular occurrence in the capital, with Bowser retiring from the mayoralty after 12 years. —

Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for occurrence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurrence

Noun

Greenwood is leading a series of high-profile events to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Fans from around the world attended the event, with many saying this World Cup has felt different.

— Anna McAllister, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Definition of event

Noun

The incident, which authorities are investigating, occurred 30 nautical miles (around 55 kilometers) southwest of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Al Hudaydah, UKMTO said.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
The incident occurred following Angel City FC's 2-0 win over the Orlando Pride on Friday evening, July 3, according to an Angel City FC spokesperson and multiple videos of the incident shared on social media by event attendees.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026

Definition of incident

Noun

This was most obvious during Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, when brands capitalized on all things Taylor — friendship bracelets, themed drinks and even concert outfits.

— Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Eliminating that gap is one of the hardest things an organization can do.

— Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of thing

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occurred (to)

occurrence

occurrences

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“Occurrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occurrence. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of occurrence

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