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

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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

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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
The Hall of Famer had a couple of bikinis for the occasion and wished the USA a happy 250th birthday in them. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 Next up is a mouthwatering quarterfinal against Naomi Osaka, a Wimbledon occasion that will hopefully be worth the wait. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Verb
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 Former Premier League footballer Joey Barton has been remanded in custody after being charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. — Phil Hay, New York Times, 11 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
  • While wedding vows typically last about one to three minutes per person, Swift and Kelce took their time celebrating one another on their big day.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • The extraordinary strait lockdown could make this time different.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of time
Noun
  • Garibay’s one-handed save denied Jonathan Ricketts a sure goal in the 64th minute, and Moon pulled a 30-yard opportunity off a poor corner kick clearance just wide left.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
  • The event also gave Kansas City’s Ghanaian residents an opportunity to introduce others to Jama, the tradition of singing, chanting and dancing that has long been intertwined with Ghanaian soccer culture and community celebrations.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Definition of opportunity
Noun
  • At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is still one of the most popular athletes in the world and even if his presence on the Portuguese national team is cause for international debate, a player like Folarin Balogun has no place in any paragraph with Ronaldo.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • Investigators did not disclose further details surrounding the cause and manner of her death.
    — Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of cause
Noun
  • Greenwood is leading a series of high-profile events to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Fans from around the world attended the event, with many saying this World Cup has felt different.
    — Anna McAllister, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of event
Verb
  • Camp Meeker Cabin stands as a thoughtful retreat that brings mountain living back to its essentials.
    — Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • The ceremony, which brought both families together, was officiated by family friend Adam Sandler.
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of bring
Noun
  • Instead, Alfonzo’s first appearance, the culmination of nine tireless years, was somber , stricken by the grief overshadowing what should’ve been a joyous moment in the Dodgers’ to the Padres.
    — Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • With three Japanese players around him, the decision to immediately engage during such a transitional moment was incorrect.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of moment
Noun
  • For the best chance of seeing them, move away from city lights, lie flat on your back and look toward the southern sky near the Aquarius constellation, NASA says.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Now’s your chance to grab a closet’s worth of sleek, sculpting essentials, like the SpanxShape Booty Boost leggings for $44 off, and the SpanxSmooth Jersey Crewneck T-Shirt for $30 off.
    — Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
Definition of chance
Noun
  • The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Hughes did not respond to a message seeking more information about the circumstances of the crash.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
Definition of circumstance

Phrases Containing occasion

Browse Nearby Words

obviousness
occasion
occasional
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Cite this Entry

“Occasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasion. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on occasion

Nglish: Translation of occasion for Spanish Speakers

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