Synonyms of occurrence

occurrence

noun

ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s 

as in event

something that happens

life is full of random occurrences

Synonyms & Similar Words

• event
• incident
• circumstance
• thing
• episode
• happening
• occasion
• accident
• affair
• phenomenon
• time
• experience
• coincidence
• hap
• fluke
• co-occurrence
• emergency
• adventure
• milestone
• landmark
• crisis
• page
• turning point
• freak
• happenstance
• news
• achievement
• juncture
• happenchance
• deed
• feat
• tidings
• milepost
• exploit

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

Recent Examples of occurrence

At the time the video was made, there were at least 35 occurrences in MLB history, with most happening in the 21st century, oddly enough. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026

According to the Brookings Institute, voter fraud by mail is a rare occurrence and only happens in about four out of every 10 million mail votes. —Orlando Sentinel and Miami Herald Editorial Boards, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026

There have been previous occurrences where fans tried to go to the ring with Seth Rollins during his entrance, or rush into the ring during a John Cena match, which security quickly handled. —Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

Discovery and occurrence Ringwoodite was first identified in 1969 in a fragment of the Tenham chondritic meteorite, which had fallen in Queensland, Australia, in 1879. —Divya Dubey, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026