incidence

noun

Definition of incidencenext
as in prevalence
the rate at which something happens They found an increased incidence of crime in the city when social programs were cut.

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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 incidence Over those three decades, the incidence increased from about 34 to 62 strokes per 100,000 people per year. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026 This feature, introduced in 2024, directs travelers to verified official institutions, reducing the incidence of fraud and minimizing confusion at immigration on arrival. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026 Infection is also continuing to trigger long COVID, although incidence is difficult to measure. — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2026 Rural health-care clinics are closing, even as Iowa has one of the highest cancer-incidence rates in the country. — Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incidence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incidence
  1. prevalence
  2. occurrence
  3. frequency
Noun
  • The language is free and open-source, which contributes to its prevalence online.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The panel also discussed the prevalence of Christian nationalism in contemporary politics and its impact on American society.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of prevalence
Noun
  • During the 1990s, mafia-style killings of public figures were a common occurrence in Bulgaria.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • War souvenirs are a largely universal occurrence, Dickey said, and World War II saw Americans returning home with plenty of mementos from Europe, including Nazi paraphernalia like pins and insignias.
    — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of occurrence
Noun
  • Because quantum spins can occupy only certain states, researchers must apply a signal at the appropriate frequency to induce a transition.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Israeli settlers in the West Bank, whose numbers have more than doubled since the Oslo accords were signed, have been attacking Palestinians with alarming frequency.
    — Dalia Dassa Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of frequency

Browse Nearby Words

inchoative
incidence
incident
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Cite this Entry

“Incidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incidence. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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