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

Relevance

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
  • At the end of the day, Brown and the event participants and attendees agreed the summit was a success.
    — Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 21 July 2025
  • Some major roads in Chicago were suddenly under water when a 1,000-year rainfall event struck in early July.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • In each of these incidents, settlers struck in broad daylight.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 15 July 2025
  • Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact Trumbull police at 203-261-3665.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 15 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
  • The popularity of body mists comes down to three main things: affordability, versatility, and nostalgia.
    — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 15 July 2025
  • Then, on June 12, she was awakened in the middle of the night and told to gather her things.
    — Juwayriah Wright, Time, 15 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 29 Jul. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on occurrence

Nglish: Translation of occurrence for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All