occasion 1 of 2

Definition of occasionnext
1
as in time
a particular point at which an event takes place on that occasion, I didn't actually meet your father

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2
as in opportunity
a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place the substitute violinist rose to the occasion and performed the piece beautifully

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4

occasion

2 of 2

verb

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 occasion
Noun
The series once again finds itself in a prescient position with the industry on the precipice of an extinction-level event, and Valerie once again rises to the occasion with a message worth hearing, delivered with a smile that’s improbably radiant. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026 When that first layer feels too tight, too loose, or digging in somewhere, the whole occasion starts off on the wrong foot. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
And so our entry into 2026 has occasioned the traditional visit to the photo archives. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 18 Jan. 2026 The casting of new pro Jan Ravnik for the recent season 34 occasioned a classic Maks-ism that harkened back to his time on the show. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for occasion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occasion
Noun
  • Questions and comments will be moderated, read, and answered as time allows.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • That divergence of opinion hasn’t provided a national consensus for a permanent time standard.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Designed by Pete and Alice Dye to resist one-note dominance, Sawgrass still works like an equal-opportunity interrogator.
    Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Kidman jumped at the opportunity after reading the pilot, coming onboard as the star and as an executive producer.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The cause of the discrepancy between the leaders' comments was not immediately clear.
    SYLVIE CORBET, Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
  • An American Legion hall that has withstood many a coastal storm mysteriously collapsed as a volatile cold front crossed North Carolina, and the National Weather Service is trying to pinpoint a cause.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • During Monday’s event, the company presented a $50,000 donation and pledging 500 volunteer hours to Nourish Up, formerly Fishes & Loaves, a nonprofit addressing food insecurity for Charlotte families.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The eight-team event begins with quarterfinal games April 1-2 at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
    Laurence Miedema, Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Jamal Murray fouled out with only five points early in overtime, bringing an early end to his worst game of the season.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The instructor brought Higgins to a boat and began CPR, Linhardt said.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Forty-one minutes later, her pacemaker application disconnected from her phone, marking the precise moment an 84-year-old woman who could not walk 50 yards without help was ripped from her bed.
    Neal K. Shah, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
  • As the vast landscape spread out below, filled with roaming herds and golden hues, our guest popped the question—creating a moment both magical and unforgettable.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This means that even if a fault-tolerant quantum computer becomes available, QPE could still struggle with large molecules because the chance of successfully extracting the correct energy becomes vanishingly small.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The Sooners had a final chance after Acuff missed a second free throw with 10 seconds left.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Uncompensated seizure under the land-expropriation law can only be pursued under narrow circumstances—when land is unused or has been abandoned, for example—and the program seemingly has yet to seize any property.
    Boyce Upholt, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Like Scheepers, Musu is thankful her boss has been supportive and understanding of her circumstances.
    Blane Bachelor, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Occasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

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