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

Sign up for our weekly newsletter Proof Positive How does a coherent structure emerge from many small random occurrences? — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026

There’s a fragmented culture where all corners of the entertainment world are struggling to produce new versions of the sort of ubiquitous, four-quadrant successes that consumers recall as regular occurrences in earlier decades. — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026

FlyWith is hoping to fill all those empty seats in the private-aviation market, a common occurrence on planes flying around in the industry. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2026

In a rare occurrence, Bardot’s 80-minute AI drama that, according to the synopsis, examines contemporary alienation and numbness in today’s world of hyper-connectivity, is set for a spring 2027 release across 20 cities in Turkey via Baska Sinema. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026