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 Garbage disposals can flush away food debris on pots and pans in a flash, but anyone who owns one of these devices knows that unpleasant smells are a regular occurrence. —Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 21 July 2025 Cynicism Stunts Growth In the world of work cynicism is an everyday, everywhere occurrence, especially in large, bureaucratic organisations where decision making is slow, opaque and hierarchical. —Dave Winsborough, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 Shows of force and clashes between immigration officers and protesters at raid sites have become periodical occurrences in the Los Angeles area as more people oppose the federal government’s immigration enforcement actions. —Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 19 July 2025 Health care giant Kaiser Permanente comes in third, with over 50,000 employment occurrences combined between the three of them. —Harriet Blair Rowan, Mercury News, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for occurrence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurrence
  1. event
  2. incident
  3. circumstance
  4. thing
Noun
  • IndieWire shares details exclusively below ahead of the event taking place August 20-24.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Aug. 2025
  • That might help explain why former Liverpool striker John Aldridge, a key member of that 1987-88 squad, was in attendance at the launch event.
    — Andy Jones, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • In that incident, a 21-year-old man was found shot in the stomach.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 28 July 2025
  • Swan and the two other men were arrested in connection with the shooting incident on Dickson Street.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 July 2025
Definition of incident
Noun
  • Oster said the sentence justified the circumstances of the killing as well as the evidence presented during the trial.
    — Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
  • Treatment for multiple myeloma is individualized based on disease severity and other factors that include age, general health, potential risks, and personal circumstances.
    — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
Definition of circumstance
Noun
  • Arizona's dynamic food and dining scene was recently in the national spotlight when Food Network released a list of the best things to eat in the state as part of their United Plates of America series.
    — Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
  • One thing's for certain, The Boring Company's tunnel to BNA will be anything but boring.
    — Charles Singh, The Tennessean, 29 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 6 Aug. 2025.

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