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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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 The following occurrences can likely be remedied with a simple maintenance visit. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026 After the April 1999 occurrence, over the next seven months, the S & P 500 traded in a wide sideways range that included a roughly 10% drawdown. — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026 Their resultant study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters documents one of the rarest cosmic occurrences on record, while also raising new questions about what’s possible during a supernova explosion. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026 Love is the one feeling described almost entirely by its objects rather than by its occurrence — by who it’s aimed at, how long it’s lasted and whether it has been made official. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for occurrence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurrence

Noun

Hundreds of people with stereo systems, disco balls, tents, kegs and mattresses left huge amounts of trash, set off fireworks and used Tunitas Creek Beach as a bathroom during all-night events.

— Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
This week, Cuba commemorated Castro with events including the International Book Fair, art exhibitions, concerts and gatherings of delegates from leftist organizations across the continent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of event

Noun

The incident prompted authorities to temporarily close hiking trails to Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Photos obtained by the New York Post show some injured people being carried away on stretchers and several others returning to the dock after the incident.

— Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of incident

Noun

Making this call can sometimes be a tough decision and of course everybody is different and has different circumstances.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
The national police service did not give more details on the circumstances of the deaths, but said the provincial police commissioner was on the way to the mine.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of circumstance

Noun

Initially a rudimentary, box-like affair, things have improved since, thanks mainly to the addition of a second tier behind the goal.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Alexandra's favorite things to do while traveling include hiking to spectacular heights, enjoying new cuisines, and gaining wisdom and new perspectives from cultures around the world.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of thing

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occurred (to)

occurrence

occurrences

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Cite this Entry

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“Occurrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occurrence. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of occurrence

noun

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