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

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 The Importance of a Valid Prescription For many contact lens wearers, replenishing their supplies is a routine occurrence rather than an occasional purchase. — Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Once a rare occurrence, the ominous signal is becoming a more regular event thanks to the worsening climate crisis. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026 The occurrences have involved United, American and Southwest aircraft that were landing, taking off or preparing for departure. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 That bewildered shake of the head after Meyer's pitch in that video is not a rare occurrence for Raleigh this year. — Eno Sarris, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for occurrence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurrence

Noun

August's payrolls report, out Friday, will be the main event for economic data.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
At one of the first promotional events, Bullock briefly chatted about her time on the Miss Congeniality franchise.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of event

Noun

As more cars wrecked behind the incident, NASCAR was forced to throw the caution flag — freezing the field with Preece in front.

— Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
The teen, a standout player on his high school football team, remains behind bars over the alleged incident.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of incident

Noun

Other complicating factors can include things like child custody, income, housing and other circumstances that can make domestic survivors feel stuck.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
Biz2Credit also considers the circumstances, particularly for seasonal businesses or companies seeking financing to smooth out short-term cash flow irregularities.

— Carson Brunson, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of circumstance

Noun

University of St Andrews primatologist Catherine Hobaiter and Dartmouth College anthropologist Nathaniel Jay Dominy think these two things – fire and human speech – may be fundamentally linked.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Despite the slower pace of things pre-internet, all 250,000 tickets had gone within nine hours.

— Devinder Bains, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of thing

Browse Nearby Words

occurred (to)

occurrence

occurrences

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“Occurrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occurrence. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of occurrence

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