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 The scientists looked for the incidence of 46 different potential side effects in the 90 days after vaccination. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 30 June 2026 Given about 2 in 5 American adults are obese, curbing this chronic medical condition could have dramatic effects in decreasing the incidence of cancer. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 Since 2014, the Department of Revenue Services has been tasked with generating tax incidence analyses, which identify assesses how tax burdens can be shifted, and who ultimately pays. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2026 Women who had taken a GLP-1 had a lower incidence of breast cancer than women who hadn’t taken the medication, even after researchers matched for age, race, ethnicity, BMI, breast density, and type 2 diabetes. — Elise M. Brett, EverydayHealth.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for incidence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incidence
  1. prevalence
  2. occurrence
  3. frequency
Noun
  • The growing prevalence of chronic conditions that effect eyesight, such as diabetes, may also increase demand for optical services.
    — Casey Mann, Arkansas Online, 1 July 2026
  • But underlying a lot of that, say researchers, is also the growing prevalence of stress.
    — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2026
Definition of prevalence
Noun
  • Focus on risks with the highest probability of occurrence and the greatest impact on the point.
    — Larry Bomback, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Once a popular tradition on all successful shows, contract renegotiations after Season 2 are a very rare occurrence these days, reserved only for the biggest hits amid industry belt-tightening.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Definition of occurrence
Noun
  • Mann and his colleagues have shown an uptick in the frequency of such stuck jet stream patterns, known as planetary resonance events, in recent decades.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • What makes Oh, Mary special is the frequency with which the show brings in new stars.
    — Katie North, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of frequency

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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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on incidence

Nglish: Translation of incidence for Spanish Speakers

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