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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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 debut release of a once-obscure Air Jordan 6 colorway will be one of the big-ticket items during NBA All-Star Weekend, and more plans centered upon the sneaker are surfacing as the occasion draws nearer. Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 27 Jan. 2026 There may be a trickle-down factor at play there, symbolically and otherwise, with the festival’s figurehead being the woman who is the best known among all pop stars for being eager to share her stage on just about any occasion, whether with elder legends or complete unknowns. Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
She was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death and driving a motor vehicle with a disqualified license, stated the NSW release. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025 While Stuart and Billie are having that uncomfortable conversation, Kate is enjoying an impromptu lunch date with Callum, occasioned by Winfield House being on lockdown. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for occasion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occasion
Noun
  • The route at the time of the collision allowed the Black Hawk to fly as close as 75 feet below planes descending to land on runway 33 at Reagan National Airport, according to the NTSB.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Workers counter that the health giant can afford to boost wages, and that patients are already suffering from long wait times and subpar care because Kaiser does not offer competitive pay.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • By the time the madness had run its course, and some sense of sanity returned, a generation of youth had lost their opportunity to pursue their life goals, reach their educational potential, and enjoy the love of a family.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The climate crisis has caused melting ice and rapidly rising temperatures in the Arctic, leading some to hope for new economic opportunities.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
    Sierra van der Brug, Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Ball was depicted on social media attending a Senior Bowl event at a local elementary school on Monday, which was publicized by both the Senior Bowl and UA athletics.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
  • There were almost no literary festivals or bookstore events.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Snow blankets the region A widespread snow event in March 2015 brought measurable snowfall across all of North Texas.
    Sergio Candido, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
  • And, quite frankly, the Patriots do need to blitz to bring pressure, despite having some formidable pass rushers on their defensive line.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That moment showed his cheeky side — his knack for making her laugh — and their unique bond.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Pretti was being held on the ground when an officer appeared to remove a gun from Pretti's waistband just moments before another agent fired the first shot.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Manager Alex Cora said Crawford should have as good a chance as anyone to earn a place in the rotation.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
  • There is a solid chance that the AI might not be proficient at performing music therapy.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Who benefits most will depend on individual circumstances, but the biggest bumps are expected among middle-income households, families with children, workers with overtime or tip income, and some older taxpayers.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The Department of Homeland Security has not yet explained the circumstances around the incident.
    Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Occasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasion. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on occasion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!