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

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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
Pretti, who had disrupted law enforcement on at least one other occasion before his death, tussled with Border Patrol agents before he was shot dead last Saturday. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026 Access to the Variety Arts Theater presented the perfect occasion. Will Fenstermaker, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
But with wind, only the effects of its occurrence are ever visible — the ripples on the river water, the waving motion of tree branches, the dust devils rising up from the sides of a desert dune, the dishevelment of clothes occasioned by a particularly violent gust. Big Think, 18 Nov. 2025 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 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
  • More opportunity means more decisions with real downside.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Gallup data shows a similar tilt with more Americans viewing AI as a threat rather than opportunity.
    Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The exact cause of death was not clear and few other details were provided.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Officials won't be able to diagnose the cause of the leak until the pipe is excavated.
    Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 30 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
  • The city of Dallas alone has dozens of secondhand stores spanning consignment and furniture, and the industry's rapid industry has brought new opportunities, and often more foot traffic.
    Mari Sato The Dallas Morning News, Arkansas Online, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Atlanta is weighing whether to allow open alcohol containers in South Downtown in hopes of bringing more foot traffic to the neighborhood — especially during the FIFA World Cup games this summer.
    Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 31 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
  • There is a chance of snow showers over parts Long Island and coastal New Jersey, but the impacts are expected to be minimal.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Senate lawmakers are making progress toward funding the Department of Homeland Security, however this does not rule out the chances of a partial government shutdown.
    Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Later, her father died in mysterious circumstances.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
  • This true crime entry is an excellent example of the genre working to understand circumstances underpinning a crime rather than performing a grim recitation.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Occasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasion. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

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