occurrence

noun

oc·​cur·​rence ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s 

-ˈkə-rən(t)s

1

: something that occurs

a startling occurrence

Lightning is a natural occurrence.

2

: the action or fact of happening or occurring

—often used with of

the repeated occurrence of petty theft in the locker room

Synonyms of occurrence

• event
• incident
• circumstance
• thing

Choose the Right Synonym for occurrence

occurrence, event, incident, episode, circumstance 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

event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

Examples of occurrence in a Sentence

Getting headaches has become a common occurrence for her.

the recent occurrences of the disease

Lightning is a natural occurrence.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even countries like Japan and the United States, well ensconced in the Global North, aren’t exempt from the effects of climate change, as super-typhoons and extreme heat have become routine occurrences. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026

Flare-ups and losing food between the grill grates are two everyday occurrences that can diminish the grilling experience. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2026

Because TDEs are common to less massive supermassive black holes, counting their occurrence at cosmic noon could give an indication of the masses of black holes during that epoch — the key to determining between heavy seeds and light seeds. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 22 July 2026

The occurrence, which led to surprised panelist Sara Haines rising to her feet, happened shortly after the Star Trek actor walked out from backstage. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

occurr(ent) entry 1 + -ence, perhaps after Middle French occurrence "circumstance"

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for occurrence

• concurrence
• deterrence
• incurrence
• recurrence
• transference
• coinsurance
• countertransference

Kids Definition

occurrence

noun

oc·​cur·​rence ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s 

-ˈkə-rən(t)s

1

: something that occurs

2

: the action or process of occurring

3

: the presence of a natural form or material in a particular place

the occurrence of oil in Oklahoma

Legal Definition

occurrence

noun

oc·​cur·​rence

: something that takes place

especially : an accident, event, or continuing condition that causes personal or property damage that is unintended or unexpected from the standpoint of an insured party making a claim