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

The timing of the letter, just as the company announced its agreement with OpenAI, appeared to be no coincidence. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2025

After Jess runs into Liz in the hospital, the absurd coincidences and conflicts of interest continue to pile up. —Alison Herman, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025

While Tyler Herro’s return has coincided with the Miami Heat’s worst stretch of the season, the numbers say that’s just an unfortunate coincidence for Herro and the Heat. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Dec. 2025

The connection between Mehta’s circumstances and her academic focus wasn’t a coincidence. —Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2025

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