coincidence

noun

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

, -sə-ˌden(t)s\

Definition of coincidence

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 More Example Sentences Learn More about coincidence

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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

The fact that blush is also The Webster’s signature shade is a nice coincidence. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "French Label L/Uniform Is Bringing Its Cheery, Monogrammable Bags to New York," 10 May 2019 It’s no coincidence the program takes place during Earth Month: Target works with a partner, Waste Management, to ensure the older car seats are properly recycled. — Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping, "Here's When Target's Popular Car Seat Trade-In Event Is Happening," 9 Apr. 2019 On Wednesday this column noted the interesting coincidence that lightly taxed Nashville has been enjoying a population boom. — James Freeman, WSJ, "Make New York Grow Again," 18 Apr. 2019 Coincidentally, Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda runway show took place the same weekend as the couple's nuptials—and this fashion-forward bride embraced the happy coincidence. — Tamara Abraham, Harper's BAZAAR, "This Epic Lake Como Wedding Had It All: An Alta Moda Photoshoot, Fireworks, and a Surprise Opera," 11 Apr. 2019 But at the time of the NLRA’s signing, the majority of agricultural workers were black, and some scholars believe it’s no coincidence that these workers were excluded from the NLRA. — Kim Kelly, Teen Vogue, "Freelancers Want to Join Unions but Labor Laws Won't Let Them," 4 Apr. 2019 As their relationship has blossomed over their years, so have their careers—definitely no coincidence. — Maria Carter, Woman's Day, "The Unconventional Path That Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy Took to Wedded Bliss," 12 Mar. 2019 David, who retired after a business career to become a pastor in a small church, is not a big believer in coincidences. — Ted Alcorn, Vox, "The waiting list for organ transplants is finally shrinking — for a grim reason," 24 Sep. 2018 In a handy coincidence for travelers, the four sides are aligned with the four cardinal directions. — Ken Jennings, Condé Nast Traveler, "Part of the Alps' Matterhorn Is in Africa," 23 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coincidence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.