ACCIDENTS Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

accidents

noun

plural of accident

as in casualties

a chance and usually sudden event bringing loss or injury was involved in a minor accident on her way home from work

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as in chances

the uncertain course of events you shouldn't leave it to accident to decide where you'll be lodging in the course of your trip across the country

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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 accidents What readers are saying The comments express shock and concern over a recent train collision in Spain, highlighting issues with safety systems and the frequency of such accidents. — Victoria Bisset, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026 Most damage to the undersea cables that form the Internet’s backbone is the result of accidents involving bottom-trawling fishing nets and ship anchors dragging on the seabed, with storms and undersea landslides also factoring in. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 28 Oct. 2026 Fatal accidents range from workers getting entangled while cleaning nets to shipwrecks among vessels in the area. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 Concerns over fatal accidents involving children helped turn public opinion against the infamous experiment, which Congress repealed within the year. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 At the sites of deadly accidents, people have reported the sound of a pickaxe or the groans of a dying man. — Marcus Librizzi, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026 Officials on Monday released the names of two people killed in recent traffic accidents. — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 26 Oct. 2026 To make sure your purchase is insured against accidents, theft, and other dramas, go ahead and sign up for jewelry insurance. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 Speeding and poor road conditions have previously been cited as contributing factors in traffic accidents in Kenya. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for accidents

Noun

As many as 16 ballistic missiles and 280 drones were launched by Russia, resulting in casualties, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said early Tuesday.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
In Southern California, rival ants warred at the borders of their massive supercolonies for years, with casualties soaring into the millions.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of casualties

Noun

Ohio Republicans redrew Kaptur’s seat this cycle, but Democrats are bullish on her chances.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
What readers are saying The comments reflect a mix of skepticism and concern about the upcoming elections, with some expressing doubt about the Democrats' chances in the Senate and others worried about potential election chaos and disputes.

— Amber Phillips, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of chances

Noun

Since 2024, the state and federal governments have spent over half a billion dollars on disasters in Ruidoso — nine times the village’s annual budget.

— Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026
These same companies continue to kill the clean energy that is not only cheaper, but try to side-step their glaring responsibility for the increasing cascade of climate disasters.

— Tom Tapp, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of disasters

Noun

The prince didn’t have any luck in blocking Kelce, which comes as little surprise given the Chiefs star knows how to avoid defensive players.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Halloween fireballs Our last pick is going to take a great deal of patience, and a good amount of luck!

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of luck

Noun

Everette has a knack for scoring important touchdowns, and when’s facing circumstances that qualify as either make or break, his exact mindset borders on being unstoppable.

— Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Her physical absence changes nothing about the circumstances of our friendship.

— Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of circumstances

Noun

The most significant effects are expected along Orange and San Diego counties’ coastlines this week, where the high tides are forecast to cause localized flooding, more coastal erosion and other hazards.

— Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
The League of Women Voters of Alaska and Common Cause filed separately, warning that the DOJ’s demand to investigate voter intent presents severe constitutional hazards.

— Hugh Son, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of hazards

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accidentally

accidents

acclaim

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“Accidents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accidents. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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noun

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