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 Since those occurrences 17 teams have won two straight and then failed at the three-peat. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 22 June 2025 Kristina and Chris believe that their unexpected guest was not a random occurrence. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 19 June 2025 However, rookie contract issues are especially rare occurrences since the introduction of the rookie wage scale in 2011. Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 13 June 2025 This is an extreme kind of worst-case scenario fluke occurrence that could happen. Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for occurrence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurrence
Noun
  • In fact, the blocks were so easy to use that government and company officials who attended the kick-off event helped to build up one of the house’s walls after only a short lesson from Garrett.
    R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Yes! started out as a different movie and changed to incorporate the events of October 7?
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Qantas Airlines, Australia’s flagship carrier, reported Wednesday that a cyber incident had occurred Monday in one of its contact centers that exposed data for as many as 6 million customers.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • An investigation has been launched to determine what caused the incident, per AP.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • But my contract got particular traction, maybe because of the circumstances.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
  • The circumstances varied, from hikers bringing their furry friends on multi-day backpacking trips to taking them up 14,000-foot peaks, but in every case, sheer exhaustion was the primary cause.
    Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The downside is that each method has a potential reaction from the AGI or ASI that could turn things ugly.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Meanwhile…things haven’t looked so good for Starbucks in China recently, and not just because its baristas can’t spell names in Chinese characters, either.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Occurrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occurrence. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on occurrence

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