Synonyms of occurrence

occurrence

noun

ə-ˈkər-ən(t)s 

as in event

something that happens

life is full of random occurrences

Synonyms & Similar Words

• event
• incident
• circumstance
• thing
• episode
• happening
• occasion
• accident
• affair
• phenomenon
• time
• experience
• coincidence
• hap
• fluke
• co-occurrence
• emergency
• adventure
• milestone
• landmark
• crisis
• page
• turning point
• freak
• happenstance
• news
• achievement
• juncture
• happenchance
• deed
• feat
• tidings
• milepost
• exploit

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

Recent Examples of occurrence

People recorded not only special occasions but everyday occurrences. —Marcia Greenwood, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Eclipse features a minimalist score by musician Nick Leng, but otherwise is presented as a real-time look at a singular astronomical occurrence. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026

Here, liability hinges not on the simple occurrence of a labor violation, but rather, on what the company did and didn’t do to prevent the violation from happening and to stop and remediate it after the fact. —Sarah Dadush, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2026

The teen is being prosecuted as an adult — an extremely rare occurrence in federal court — after a judge denied his release despite his initial electronic monitoring arrangement. —Ed White, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026