Synonym Chooser

How is the word occurrence distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of occurrence are circumstance, episode, event, and incident. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

When is it sensible to use circumstance instead of occurrence?

The words circumstance and occurrence can be used in similar contexts, but circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

In what contexts can episode take the place of occurrence?

Although the words episode and occurrence have much in common, episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When is event a more appropriate choice than occurrence?

In some situations, the words event and occurrence are roughly equivalent. However, event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When would incident be a good substitute for occurrence?

The meanings of incident and occurrence largely overlap; however, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

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 occurrence In the last five years, the stock has declined in 60% of occurrences, with a median drop of 4.4% and a maximum one-day decrease of 13.5%. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 So simply being able to identify the occurrence of errors is not on the cutting edge. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025 The occurrence of Fusarium graminearum is strongly impacted by weather conditions -- especially excess moisture, the experts said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 5 June 2025 Last year, a glacial lake outburst caused destructive flooding in Juneau, Alaska — a now regular occurrence for the city. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for occurrence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurrence
Noun
  • This sequence of events prompted many fans and pundits to speculate about potential conspiracy theories about how and why Dallas got the pick despite having such low odds for it.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
  • Tickets for the event are still being listed for sale online, ranging from $59 to $150.
    Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The incident was reported Saturday at 3:17 p.m., and the latest update regarding this incident was made available on Saturday at 3:24 p.m.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025
  • The incident occurred on the stroke of full time at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte as Rudiger and Cabral had tussled in the Pachuca penalty area, and the Madrid defender went to ground holding his face.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Sometimes, those decisions are made for you by circumstances that are outside your control.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • The civil suit is not just about the circumstances that led to O’Keefe’s death.
    Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Miranda is so full of possibility and adventure and what’s going to come next, and Ada is trying so hard to be that way and to fill the deep well of her sadness and her loneliness and her bereavement with things like the Temperance movement.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 23 June 2025
  • There are big notes of sweet fruit, caramelized brown sugar, black pepper, rum raisin, and cinnamon leading things off over a faint wisp of smoldering campfire which lies just underneath.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Occurrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occurrence. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on occurrence

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