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

That would end up being a rare occurrence for a while. —Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026

The network recorded almost 2 billion global lightning occurrences, 7% fewer than in 2024, and more than 99% of thunderstorms worldwide. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026

Under the district’s coverage, the district would pay the first $300,000 for each occurrence, and the insurer would pay up to $700,000. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026

After the game, Flagg addressed the technical foul, a rare occurrence given he wasn’t called for one in the first 51 games of the season nor during his lone season at Duke. —Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026