as in prevalence
the rate at which something happens
They found an increased incidence of crime in the city when social programs were cut.
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Recent Examples of incidence
The incidence of this formerly rare syndrome has skyrocketed over the last five years with about 7% of past-year cannabis users reporting symptoms consistent with cannabinoid hyperemesis — more than 6,000 emergency room encounters.
—
Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Since the 1977 report, scores of other scientific studies involving thousands have clearly established a strong association between consumption of meat and dairy products and elevated incidences of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and certain types of cancer.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026
Of note, men also play a role in the incidence of bacterial vaginosis by carrying and spreading it.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 9 Jan. 2026
Though some of these preservatives were not associated with cancer incidence, others were, including potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate and acetic acid.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incidence
Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Since the 1977 report, scores of other scientific studies involving thousands have clearly established a strong association between consumption of meat and dairy products and elevated incidences of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and certain types of cancer.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026
Of note, men also play a role in the incidence of bacterial vaginosis by carrying and spreading it.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 9 Jan. 2026
Though some of these preservatives were not associated with cancer incidence, others were, including potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate and acetic acid.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incidence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incidence
Noun
-
The high prevalence of addiction — and the department’s struggle to keep prescribed and illicit drug use under control — has placed heightened strain not only on officers and facility staff but also on wider social safety net in surrounding communities.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Lower fertility rates, higher obesity prevalence, alcohol consumption and lower physical activity are part of the explanation.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Mayor Pro Tem Tanya Morrow noted that the resolution only included one occurrence of several and amended the motion to include three additional instances.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Osman may end up being sold at a loss — a rare occurrence for the club.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Reconcept uses music paired with specific frequencies tailored to different physical and mental needs.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Drink less often overall, as health risks increase with alcohol frequency, not just quantity.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incidence. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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