ACCIDENT Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

accident

noun

ˈak-sə-dənt

Definition of accident

as in casualty

a chance and usually sudden event bringing loss or injury was involved in a minor accident on her way home from work

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in luck

the uncertain course of events you shouldn't leave it to accident to decide where you'll be lodging in the course of your trip across the country

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of accident He was originally charged with murder in the immediate aftermath of the accident, but it was amended down to vehicular homicide as part of the June plea agreement, per WHAS 11. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 Matt Miller, the ESPN NFL Draft analyst who shared last month on social media that his left arm was amputated following an automobile accident in southern Missouri, reportedly is being investigated by the state attorney general. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026 In fact, the Chernobyl accident released large amounts of strontium-90. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026 The federal agency's investigation into the accident was ongoing, and a final report often takes a year or more to complete. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for accident

Recent Examples of Synonyms for accident

Noun

An Israeli strike hit the same street half an hour earlier, causing no casualties.

— Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Of course, every nomination morning produces its share of surprises and casualties.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 July 2026

Definition of casualty

Noun

The Athletics’ injury luck may have just gotten even worse, as improbable as that may seem.

— Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
For those looking to test their luck on the strip, or just get a little staycation in, use a 15% discount at any Caesars property in Las Vegas with promo code LOCAL.

— Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026

Definition of luck

Noun

Modern networks are more resilient in disasters, an AT&T spokesman said, because they can be restored faster and are less vulnerable to damage and copper theft.

— Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Burnham launched a government inquiry that found police failures, not the victims themselves, were responsible for the disaster.

— Lauren Frayer, NPR, 9 July 2026

Definition of disaster

Noun

In addition, their style of play makes broad use of their outrageous attacking options, virtually guaranteeing a supply of chances for a player who can score almost any type of goal from anywhere in the attacking third.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 July 2026
Amid its six-shot flurry in the initial 10 minutes, Belgium created one golden chance that was a near miss.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026

Definition of chance

Noun

In the work of fiction, the ship is taken over to prevent catastrophe.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
The young girls are referred to as Heaven’s 27 by their surviving families, who are determined to honor their legacy by ensuring such a catastrophe never happens again.

— Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

Definition of catastrophe

Noun

Officers are working to gather information regarding the circumstances that may have led up to the crash, including who was supervising the children.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
Police said that suspect information, a motive and the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 14 July 2026

Definition of circumstance

Noun

In a statement Wednesday evening, DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson called the death a tragedy and said the county remains committed to transparency and integrity.

— Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
With two children dying so far this summer after being left inside cars during South Florida’s sweltering heat season, experts are urging parents and other caregivers to take a series of steps to prevent tragedies.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

Definition of tragedy

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accessory

accident

accidental

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“Accident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accident. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of accident

noun

Example Sentences

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'Accidental' vs. 'Incidental'

The Correct Use of 'Accident'

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