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 That level of control precluded a Vatican media operation from spinning tall tales as occurred during John Paul's reign. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 The researchers then compared the changes that occurred between the two states of activity. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 Pac was found dead in a rental car the next day outside of a CAVA outside of Chicago, where that bout occurred. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Thousands of distinct peptides occur naturally in the human body. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for occur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occur
happen
Verb
  • His big adult break happened when visiting his sister in San Francisco in 1954.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers can model what happens if copper prices increase sharply or if a newer technology becomes commercially viable years from now.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of happen

Phrases Containing occur

Browse Nearby Words

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 20 Oct. 2026.

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