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 Investigators determined that the gunshot wound was tied to an apparent accident involving one of Malaysia’s father’s guns, per CBS News and The Chicago Tribune. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 Lax safety standards and problems with overcrowding frequently result in accidents. — ABC News, 18 July 2026 The driver, Dennis Trost, now 60, was later charged — not with causing the fatal accident but with the less serious offense of fleeing. — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026 The wreckage of a 49-foot cabin cruiser that capsized near Alcatraz Island this week has been located on the floor of San Francisco Bay, as authorities continue searching for two family members still missing after the deadly accident. — James Ward, USA Today, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for accident

Recent Examples of Synonyms for accident

Noun

In his latest casualty update in February, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had lost at least 55,000 soldiers killed since 2022.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Iran acknowledged the strikes but provided no immediate casualty or damage assessments.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of casualty

Noun

There’s the fact that the Red Wings never got much lottery luck — never picking higher than fourth, and certainly not getting the kind of breaks teams like San Jose have gotten in moving up dramatically in the order.

— Max Bultman, New York Times, 17 July 2026
During their meeting, Baracca’s mother suggested that Ferrari use the prancing horse on his cars as a good-luck symbol.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026

Definition of luck

Noun

Residents in Congressional District 24 will get a chance to hear from candidates running to fill the seat of outgoing Congresswoman Frederica Wilson at a forum held in Little Haiti.

— Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Having one copy of the APOE4 variant may double or triple the chance of developing Alzheimer’s, while having two copies may raise risk by tenfold or more.

— Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of chance

Noun

For the second year in a row, this quiet Hill Country town is digging itself out of a catastrophe that has mercilessly taken a community trying to heal and set them back on the path of mourning.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Every child identified before a catastrophe reminds us that statistics represent real people.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 2026

Definition of catastrophe

Noun

In a meeting with media executives last month, Pezeshkian said preserving national unity and cohesion is Iran’s top priority under current circumstances.

— Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
In those circumstances, and with United looking at options on the left wing, including Crysencio Summerville, the prospect of Rashford returning, thus saving the club a fee for a new signing, has increased.

— Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of circumstance

Noun

After prior mishaps, such emergency closures forced commercial flights to divert course — all in the name of ensuring aircraft don’t get struck by parts of an exploded Starship vehicle.

— Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Rather than dwelling on the mishap, Grande took a moment to recognize the people working behind the scenes to get the show back on track.

— Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Definition of mishap

Noun

Delivery had been delayed as the city grappled with the tragedy, a small but unforgettable reminder that Atlanta’s celebration had changed overnight.

— Andrea Clement, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
Yellowstone sees the most deaths during the tourist months running from May through October, with July featuring nearly 25 percent of all recorded tragedies.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of accident

noun

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'Accidental' vs. 'Incidental'

The Correct Use of 'Accident'

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