Synonyms for

Occur

Verb / ʌˈkɜ: / Another word for occur — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to happen; take place

Synonyms & similar words

fallout happen hap takeplace passoff goon come pass comeabout happen transpire materialize arise surface manifest appear develop emerge ensue follow betide befall eventuate pass chance

Synonyms by register

Formal

transpire arise emerge materialize

Informal

happen take place come up go on

Literary

befall betide chance

Antonyms

cease stop prevent avoid discontinue halt suppress

Common collocations

  • occur frequently
  • occur often
  • occur simultaneously
  • occur naturally
  • occur unexpectedly
  • occur again
  • occur in nature

Word family

noun occurrence
verb occur

Usage note

Occur is a neutral term for something happening. Avoid using it in place of 'occurred' when referring to past events.

Example sentences

  1. It doesn't occur to me to go to bed early.
  2. The idea never occurred to me.
  3. I can’t think of a single instance where such a thing has occurred.
  4. The event occurs at noon.
  5. The earthquake occurred at dawn.

Quotes

  • Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish. - Ovid
  • What occurs too often destroys its own reality. - Frank Herbert
  • Everything that can happen does happen; we are here to witness it. - Jorge Luis Borges

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