occur

verb

ə-ˈkər How to pronounce occur (audio)
Definition of occurnext
as in to happen
to take place let me know when the lunar eclipse is scheduled to occur

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 occur Most workers earn the 40 credits needed for retirement after about 10 years of work, and those credits stay with you for life, whether or not those 10 years occurred consecutively. — Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026 The medical review helped investigators establish when Michael’s fatal injuries occurred. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 This past Monday, yet another fatal stabbing occurred in the early morning hours on Bond Street in Hartford where the Hartford Police Department says 32-year-old Nykole Tellado was involved in an outdoor dispute with another woman and a man. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 Prior to last week's strikes, which took place in international waters off the coast of South America, the most recent attack had occurred in late June. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for occur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occur
happen
Verb
  • But the extremely rapid pace here also raises concern about what happens if, or when, the boom starts to dissipate.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • What happened next changed the young United States, forcing people to question the line between law — which protected slavery — and justice, which demanded resistance to that law.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of happen

Phrases Containing occur

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occupying
occur
occurred
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Cite this Entry

“Occur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occur. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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