occurrences

noun

plural of occurrence
as in events
something that happens life is full of random occurrences

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 occurrences This would account for the way that everyday concerns (like missing the bus) and unlikely occurrences (being chased by evildoers) can mesh in dreams, forming a mix of strange situations. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 18 Aug. 2026 Neither immediately confirmed the animals had washed ashore, though a DEP spokesperson said such occurrences are not uncommon. — Ross Dimattei, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 In addition, this upcoming season will mark the third time that the Heat has played on Christmas in the last decade, with the other occurrences coming in 2020 and 2023. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026 The following occurrences can likely be remedied with a simple maintenance visit. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026 Their resultant study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters documents one of the rarest cosmic occurrences on record, while also raising new questions about what’s possible during a supernova explosion. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026 Two of the previous three occurrences, following the 2009 and 2011 lows, led to strong upside continuation. — Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026 The Kansas City Royals began Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins with a pair of rare occurrences. — Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 Yet some strange — lower-case strange, not upper-case Strange — occurrences are happening both around and to Spider-Man that are cause for serious concern. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurrences
  1. events
  2. things
  3. incidents
  4. circumstances
  5. episodes
  6. happenings
Noun
  • The Cubs’ selection to a second Little League Classic bookends a stretch of being chosen by MLB for unforgettable marquee events.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The anniversary program will run throughout the season, with customer events, competitions, limited-edition products, dedicated window installations, new content, special offers and more surprises to come.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of events
Noun
  • When those things do start happening, the scares are every bit as effective as the buildup promises.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • However, Heaika expects some things in return and isn’t happy to see Ejva fall for his cousin.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of things
Noun
  • Romanian airspace had been violated by Russian drones at least 23 times so far this year -- already more than the 18 incidents recorded between 2022 and the end of 2025.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office later told PEOPLE that Hickerson was arrested in two separate incidents in August 2025.
    — Sean Mandell, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of incidents
Noun
  • But many programs are not designed for these shifting circumstances.
    — Jennifer D. Kobrin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The health department or another public health authority may provide specific quarantine instructions based on an individual’s circumstances.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of circumstances
Noun
  • All eight episodes of Season 2 will premiere Wednesday, October 21 , exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, there are flashbacks and nods to his character in several episodes.
    — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of episodes
Noun
  • The production centers on a voodoo queen and the mysterious happenings in a cemetery.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Here’s a rundown of spring and summer happenings in KU’s basketball office the past five months in recognition of Monday’s official start of the 2026-27 school year.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of happenings

Browse Nearby Words

occurrence
occurrences
occurring
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Occurrences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occurrences. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of cogent

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 28

Why do we say 'break a leg'?
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All