Synonyms of occurrence

occurrence

noun

ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s 

as in event

something that happens

life is full of random occurrences

Synonyms & Similar Words

• event
• incident
• circumstance
• thing
• episode
• happening
• occasion
• accident
• affair
• phenomenon
• time
• experience
• coincidence
• hap
• fluke
• co-occurrence
• emergency
• adventure
• milestone
• landmark
• crisis
• page
• turning point
• freak
• happenstance
• news
• achievement
• juncture
• happenchance
• deed
• feat
• tidings
• milepost
• exploit

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

Recent Examples of occurrence

Given how well the Wicked and Oppenheimer rollouts went, look for Peacock to make blockbuster-centric hubs a more regular occurrence and perhaps even expand the idea to include some of its Universal library titles. —Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025

This includes measures such as cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, and the occurrence of heart disease and heart failure. —Hannah Coakley, Msph, Rdn, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025

The Red Sox plan to wear it after every home run hit this year, which the players hope will be a regular occurrence. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2025

But, to date, studies investigating a link between shingles vaccination and dementia risk have only compared the occurrence of dementia in those who’d received a vaccine compared to those who hadn’t. —New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2025