1
2
3
as in cause
someone or something responsible for a result
the missing money proved to be the occasion of much strife between the two brothers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in event
something that happens
weddings are generally happy occasions
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to cause
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)
the announcement concerning the change in scheduling occasioned much confusion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of occasion
Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 21 Apr. 2026
This is where couples come to mark a special occasion or business travelers come to impress.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026
Phil Hay, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
What's evident from conversations with past study participants is that psilocybin can occasion a shift in perspective — and a new sense of agency.
—Will Stone, NPR, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for occasion
Noun
On several occasions in recent years, the UAE has rounded up large groups of people and accused them of terrorist offenses; their trials have been criticized by human rights groups over unfair processes and convictions.
—Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 21 Apr. 2026
This is where couples come to mark a special occasion or business travelers come to impress.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
Former Premier League footballer Joey Barton has been remanded in custody after being charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
What's evident from conversations with past study participants is that psilocybin can occasion a shift in perspective — and a new sense of agency.
—Will Stone, NPR, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for occasion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occasion
Noun
-
O’Neal, the daughter of four-time NBA champion and Naismith Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, entered the portal April 14 after two seasons at UF; former head coach Kelly Rae Finley was fired by administration in March after five seasons at the helm.—
Caroline Makauskas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
During a 10-year stretch from 2012 to 2020, Rolando had 40 or more players in the program six times, peaking at 57 in 2012.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Wemby likely won’t miss the entire series with a concussion, but Portland has a great opportunity to put the Spurs in a hole with two home games coming up.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
One of Kukuiʻula’s unique amenities is the 10-acre upcountry organic farm, which provides produce and flowers for the resort community as well as opportunities for residents to connect with the land by harvesting crops, cutting tropical blooms, picnicking, or hiking and biking.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Initially treated as a death by natural causes, the case was later ruled a homicide after an undertaker noticed a knife wound on the back of her neck.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Trump has argued that last weekend’s shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner demonstrates why the ballroom is needed to hold safe, secure events for the president and other officials.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Our Consider This event takes place on Thursday, May 7 on the Universal lot, with a reception to follow at the Peacock Grill.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
April 20 – May 20 The right choice today brings both comfort and quiet confidence.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Taurus April 20 – May 20 The right choice today brings both comfort and quiet confidence.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The game changed in that moment.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
And thus the audience is stuck with this scenario, which complicates in intensity and with a linguistic relish that has its funny moments (for some, anyway), but also features a lot of crudity that really wrenches you away from the typical landscape of the classy, urban American farce.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Rain chances increase this afternoon with a focus from midafternoon through a bit beyond sunset expected.—
Ian Livingston,
Washington Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Hachimura flew past the Houston post players for a last-chance offensive rebound and finished off a passing seminar for a second-chance basket to go with a two-possession lead in overtime.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some of today’s most interesting films are shot on such devices, under circumstances that corroborate their all-purpose convenience and utility.—
Dennis Lim,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Desperation under dire circumstances didn’t stop the Lakers from finding their lifeline in a 112-108 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets, winning the 5-minute extra period 11-7 after a stunning comeback in the final minute of regulation.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Occasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasion. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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