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

El Niño is a climate occurrence in which the surface waters of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become unusually warm, increasing moisture in the atmosphere. — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026

Completing a full, four-year term is a rare occurrence throughout Israeli history. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

The pilot episode of the legendary sitcom premiered on NBC on July 5, 1989, changing television by focusing on everyday — often absurd — occurrences instead of tantalizing drama, serial plots or episodic story arcs. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

But Republican lawmakers pushing for these changes say a simple majority threshold makes amending their state constitution too easy — and thus too frequent of an occurrence. — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 14 July 2026