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 The report also notes that the phenomenon doesn’t appear to be a widespread occurrence, and may be a limited-time test, or may only appear on select routes. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025 That makes Friday’s game an occurrence more rare than Tom Cruise starring in a movie with no running scenes. —Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 30 May 2025 And, while the circumstances of this stranding are unusual, cetacean strandings in general are a relatively common occurrence. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025 Yet it’s become a common occurrence now through three playoff rounds for a team — for better or worse — becoming known for its resilience in the face of double-digit deficits. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for occurrence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurrence
  1. event
  2. incident
  3. circumstance
  4. thing
Noun
  • Here’s what to know about any planned street closures surrounding these events.
    — Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2025
  • My solution is to send electronic notes — for expressing appreciation, recognizing significant events, etc.
    — Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • The incident's central command constantly receives progress reports from firefighters on the ground.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025
  • Footage from the incident shows a circle of dozens of people, many wearing masks, surrounding an American flag burning on the ground.
    — Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
Definition of incident
Noun
  • The pooch, who got a new lease on life after he was rescued from dire circumstances, became social media famous after Klee documented his journey on TikTok, with some of the videos garnering millions of views.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 8 June 2025
  • Arbitration ordinarily arises in circumstances where the parties are in an employment or consumer relationship.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 June 2025
Definition of circumstance
Noun
  • Real Madrid is closing in on Argentina’s next big thing As reported by various outlets, Real Madrid is closing in on Mastantuono after sending a delegation to Buenos Aires last week.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Sick to death of being poor, Lucy ended things with John.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 June 2025
Definition of thing

Browse Nearby Words

occurred (to)
occurrence
occurrences
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Cite this Entry

“Occurrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occurrence. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of occurrence for Spanish Speakers

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