occasion 1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈkā-zhən How to pronounce occasion (audio)
Definition of occasionnext
1
as in time
a particular point at which an event takes place on that occasion, I didn't actually meet your father

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in opportunity
a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place the substitute violinist rose to the occasion and performed the piece beautifully

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in cause
someone or something responsible for a result the missing money proved to be the occasion of much strife between the two brothers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in event
something that happens weddings are generally happy occasions

Synonyms & Similar Words

occasion

2 of 2

verb

as in to cause
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind) the announcement concerning the change in scheduling occasioned much confusion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 occasion
Noun
Fazio hammered that note on a few occasions, characterizing Lamont’s tenure as one in which education is worse than when the governor started. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026 As his father aged and his health began to fail in recent years, the prince stepped in as the country’s regent on several occasions. — Jan M. Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
In the sumptuousness of the bibliophile’s parlor, studying Black history occasioned reverent, joyous gatherings. — Laura E. Helton, Literary Hub, 20 Apr. 2026 This apparent drift has already occasioned many think pieces; the video game and internet culture website Aftermath just dedicated an entire week to celebrating the return of wokeness. — Miles Klee, Wired News, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for occasion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occasion
  1. time
  2. opportunity
  3. cause
  4. event
  5. bring
  6. moment
  7. chance
  8. circumstance
Noun
  • Crump also made a Facebook post about the Blytheville incident on Saturday, which had been shared more than 4,000 times as of Sunday afternoon.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
  • For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration.
    — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of time
Noun
  • The upcoming 17-day FIBA break could be an opportunity for a new player to acclimate to Hammon’s system in Las Vegas.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond balancing your hormones, these can be some of the most effective ways to manage endometriosis, but as the opportunity grows, so does the potential for misinformation and misleading claims.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of opportunity
Noun
  • This is evidenced by the countless projects and initiatives that have emerged over these nearly three decades to honor her memory and carry on her charitable work in support of important social causes.
    — Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026
  • For his part, Johnson — who has not yet announced a reelection bid — credits progressive policies aimed at the root causes of crime, including major spending on youth summer jobs and community violence intervention.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of cause
Noun
  • More details on where the event will be held, who will speak and what makes the slate are due out in the coming weeks.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • On its call with investors, management said the conference sold out in early August and is its largest pipeline-generation event of the year.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of event
Verb
  • The Moon enters Aries and your 11th House of Friends, Community, and Future Plans, bringing energy to invitations, brainstorms, and shared goals.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Brooks Lee hit a two-run home run and Kody Clemens had a solo home run, bringing the Twins within 4-3.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of bring
Noun
  • There’s also been lots of moments to dress up for too, with megawatt tours from Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, and Zara Larsson; maximalist pop stars with fans eager to follow their lead in sequins and ties, hibiscus flowers in hair.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
  • First, Mary Carillo, the former player and trailblazing broadcaster and journalist, had her moment.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of moment
Noun
  • Below, find last-chance deals on summer sandals, fall-ready booties, ultra-cute ballet flats, and more for up to 79 percent off.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The chances of flash flooding within 25 miles of any location in Jefferson and Hardin counties had increased to a moderate risk of 40% to 69%, Jones said.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of chance
Noun
  • Other complicating factors can include things like child custody, income, housing and other circumstances that can make domestic survivors feel stuck.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Biz2Credit also considers the circumstances, particularly for seasonal businesses or companies seeking financing to smooth out short-term cash flow irregularities.
    — Carson Brunson, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of circumstance

Phrases Containing occasion

Browse Nearby Words

obviousness
occasion
occasional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Occasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasion. Accessed 3 Sep. 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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

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

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

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

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

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

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
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
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All