accident

noun

ˈak-sə-dənt How to pronounce accident (audio)
Definition of accidentnext
1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The two-car accident happened on July 14 in Palo Alto, leading to Shanahan being taken to the hospital. — Josh Dubow, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026 Her blonde hair, acrylic nails, high heels, rhinestones, waist-cinching silhouettes, and curves were not accidents of taste. — Debbie Millman, Time, 25 July 2026 The longtime coach told his assistant coaches about the accident on Tuesday, according to the report. — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026 Official data shows that 3,428 people died in traffic accidents in 2025. — ABC News, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for accident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for accident
  1. casualty
  2. luck
  3. disaster
  4. chance
  5. catastrophe
  6. circumstance
  7. mishap
  8. tragedy
Noun
  • If outmoded office buildings end up becoming once again viable as office buildings, Berman’s thesis could end up becoming a casualty of its own transformational success.
    — Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026
  • That was part of his wider goal of sending endless waves of bomb-carrying drones and robots to hit Russian encampments in a bid to sharply reduce Ukraine’s casualties.
    — Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of casualty
Noun
  • Prosecutors have also had luck securing convictions by working with the Department of Justice to file federal charges for distributing fentanyl that later results in death.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
  • Aslanoglou, who was born and trained in Greece, is hoping for better luck.
    — Connie Ogle July 24, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
Definition of luck
Noun
  • The whole administration of the capital is threatened by this disaster.
    — Andrei Popoviciu, The Dial, 23 July 2026
  • But simply hoping things will bounce back is a recipe for disaster.
    — Chris Adams, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of disaster
Noun
  • The rabid cheering section continued through the bottom of the ninth when Jo Adell came to the dish with the bases loaded and a tie ballgame with the chance to walk it off.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • This might be their best chance to win in the next few seasons.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of chance
Noun
  • California suffered a near catastrophe on pension debt during the great recession.
    — Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 25 July 2026
  • Members are also holding weekly evening vigils at the parish to draw attention to this latest Eastside environmental catastrophe.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of catastrophe
Noun
  • Some states, such as New Jersey and Massachusetts, have enacted legislation requiring businesses to accept cash payments in at least some circumstances, and some local governments have similar regulations.
    — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026
  • And while the ongoing lease negotiation is under entirely different circumstances, the move from the General Assembly has colored some of the conversations now.
    — DJ Simmons July 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026
Definition of circumstance
Noun
  • The most recent four events were bookended by two mishaps for the British crew.
    — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • As a linguist who studies language, meaning and culture, I am fascinated by these marketing mishaps, which highlight a long-standing challenge for global brands.
    — Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 23 July 2026
Definition of mishap
Noun
  • The Pan American Health Organization has also warned of a prolonged health crisis following the tragedy related to mental health, infectious diseases and poor sanitation.
    — Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Forged in the fire of tragedy, billionaire Bruce Wayne becomes something both more and less than human–the BATMAN.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 July 2026
Definition of tragedy

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accessory
accident
accidental
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Cite this Entry

“Accident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accident. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of accident for Spanish Speakers

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