coincidence

noun

co·​in·​ci·​dence kō-ˈin(t)-sə-dən(t)s 

-sə-ˌden(t)s

1

: the act or condition of coinciding : correspondence

… a perfect coincidence between truth and goodness …

—Robert South

2

: the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection

… causal connection requires something more than mere coincidence as to time and place …

—Wayne R. LaFave

also : any of these occurrences

Synonyms of coincidence

• occurrence

Examples of coincidence in a Sentence

It was mere coincidence that brought them together so far from Chicago.

By coincidence, every man in the room was named Fred.

“I'm going to Boston this weekend.” “What a coincidence! I am too.”

It was no coincidence that he quit his job at the bank a day after the robbery.

a series of strange coincidences

By a fortunate coincidence, we arrived at the theater at the same time.

Scientists have no explanation for the coincidence of these phenomena.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, by sheer coincidence, there’s been a recent flurry of think tank reports and articles on those issues that should be required reading for would-be governors and moderators of forums to question the candidates. —Dan Walters, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026

That is one helluva coincidence. —Mac Engel april 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2026

In a spooky coincidence – or perhaps something more – the Titanic exhibit at the Volo museum flooded from Tuesday night's thunderstorms on the exact anniversary of the infamous ship's sinking. —Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

Staring up at a nearly six-story-tall screen, witnessing a unique planetary event, itself the product of a remarkable cosmic coincidence, unique to our place and position within the solar system, is an exceptional experience. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin coincidentia, derivative of coincident-, coincidens, present participle of coincidere "to agree in nature, coincide"

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for coincidence

• incidence

Kids Definition

coincidence

noun

co·​in·​ci·​dence kō-ˈin(t)-səd-ən(t)s 

1

: the act or condition of coinciding

2

a

: two things that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection

b

: either one of these happenings