occurs

Definition of occursnext
present tense third-person singular of occur

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 occurs Such cover is often used in sectors such as agriculture – with pay-outs for farmers when a flood of a set magnitude occurs, for example – and provides policyholders with a speedy settlement, rather than requiring them to negotiate with loss adjusters. David Prosser, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Tuesday morning will be a tad colder, thanks to light winds and efficient radiational cooling, which occurs when clear skies allow surface heat to radiate back into the atmosphere, cooling temperatures even further. Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026 Any melting that occurs Monday is expected to quickly refreeze once the sun sets. Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026 Lake-effect snow like this weekend’s occurs when cold air moves across the open, warm water of the Great Lakes, picking up heat and moisture. Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2026 Parchment also helps minimize excessive spreading, which so often occurs when using greased pans. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2026 And while New England isn't known for its earthquakes, much of Connecticut's seismic activity occurs in or near the town of Moodus, according to the Northeast States Emergency Consortium (NESEC). Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 8 Jan. 2026 Negligence occurs when someone fails to take reasonable steps to prevent harm, and that failure directly causes an injury. Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026 This occurs when the weight of the water pooling at the top of the iceberg creates enough pressure at the edges to punch through. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurs
happens
Verb
  • What happens when thousands of AI agents get together online and talk like humans do?
    Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
  • This feels like only a deal that happens if Giannis is set on NYC and the Bucks are willing to accommodate.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Occurs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occurs. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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