occurred

past tense of occur

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 occurred If a split occurred, the black hole’s horizon — the boundary beyond which light cannot escape — would divide into two separate horizons. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 The five killings occurred within a 25-hour period, and the crime scenes range from southwest Charlotte to northeast Charlotte, CMPD said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026 The passengers were returning to Mombasa after attending the funeral of their church pastor in western Kenya when the accident occurred. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 The passengers were reportedly returning from a funeral when the accident occurred. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 The shooting occurred during Florida A&M University's homecoming weekend, as students and alumni gathered in Tallahassee for the annual celebrations. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 The earthquake's epicenter was about 1 mile south-southwest of San Ramon and occurred at a depth of 4 miles. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Child welfare agents said abuse may have occurred, but the perpetrator was unknown, according to records reviewed by The Washington Post. — Lara Korte The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occurred
happened
Verb
  • That, however, never happened and an attorney eventually petitioned for his release.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • His death happened two weeks after his release tour for High, Lonesome and Then Some was canceled following Snider’s involvement in a still-unclear incident in Salt Lake City that landed him in a hospital and in jail.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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