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 next

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 exterior is painted in bold turquoise and purple stripes, string lights adorn the multilevel porch seating areas, live music is a regular occurrence, and the dining room walls are covered in neon signs, surf boards, bumper stickers, and all kinds of other beachy paraphernalia. —

Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025 This doesn't, however, mean that exactly one cell per year gets sent to Venus, because impactors that create the ejecta holding such cells aren't exactly regular occurrences. —

Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025 The researchers hope that these flickering variations of the coronal loops could be between 60 to 80 percent accurate in predicting the occurrence of a flare in the next two–six hours. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 Many commenters noted that waiting for a friend before ordering was common occurrence. —

Doug Melville, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for occurrence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurrence

Noun

The event comes as an Arctic blast affects more than half the U.S. population.

— Aïda Amer, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025
While Musk was busy rubbing elbows with other billionaires at the event — namely, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Bezos' fiancée, Lauren Sanchez — all eyes were on Musk and Zilis' interaction, as the two keep their exact relationship status private.

— Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025