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

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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

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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
On the occasion, six writers reflect on the television show that most shaped their generation. — Washington Post Opinions, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 The other, Chris Bell, who rehabbed his torn ACL from his final college season to be ready for the start of his first professional season, has not risen to the occasion in Douglas’ absence. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
He was later released on bail and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentionally chok[ing a] person without consent and common assault. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 He was charged with three offenses, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentionally choking a person without consent and common assault. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 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
  • Burks personally prosecuted five capital murder death penalty cases during her time at the district attorney’s office.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Playing a real game in Spectrum Center for the first time since trading away LaMelo Ball over the summer, this was Charlotte’s first chance since that controversial deal to show the home fans that the deal was a good one.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of time
Noun
  • Culver, on the other hand, has practiced as both a prosecutor and assistant public defender, according him ample opportunity to meet juries in county court.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
  • That dream came true during the pandemic, when the two saw an opportunity to develop a hospitality concept that would remain true to the agricultural character of the property and feed people's ever-growing desire to be out in nature.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of opportunity
Noun
  • Anderson said the man appeared to have died of natural causes and that no foul play was suspected.
    — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Brain games, crosswords and math puzzles are often promoted as ways to sharpen memory, but neurologists warn that generic exercises may not address the specific cause of mental fog.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of cause
Noun
  • The last includes those black-swan events that come out of left field and test a company’s resilience, from war to pandemics.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Last year, Kort helped launch an Eat the Invaders event, bringing chefs together to channel people’s appetite for delicious food by cooking with invasive and overabundant species.
    — Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of event
Verb
  • Tariffs cannot build a better car The problem is, protection alone cannot make an American factory more productive, lower the cost of a battery, or bring a better vehicle to market.
    — Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • As the first Laika movie explicitly set in Portland, the studio looked for inspiration in their own backyards for how to bring the universe of Colin Meloy's titular novel to life.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of bring
Noun
  • Data centers will not follow aviation’s path exactly, but the shape of this moment is familiar.
    — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Royals played 12 World Series games and had a number of memorable Fall Classic moments from Eric Hosmer’s mad dash to Yordano Ventura’s dominant start in an elimination game to Alex Gordon’s game-tying home run.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of moment
Noun
  • For Hernandez, the altar is a chance to grieve, remember and find strength in one another.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Ross started the second-half scoring, too, with another two handed flush off a pass from Demary, who started the fast break chance with his second steal of the game.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of chance
Noun
  • Her physical absence changes nothing about the circumstances of our friendship.
    — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Although landing a roster spot at a major college is a noteworthy achievement under any circumstances, Bryan faces steep odds.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2026.

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