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Definitions

occasion

[uh-key-zhuhn] / əˈkeɪ ʒən /
NOUN
chance
Synonyms
STRONGEST
incident moment opening opportunity possibility time
STRONG
break convenience demand excuse instant need occurrence season shot show use
Antonyms
STRONGEST
misfortune
NOUN
reason, cause
Synonyms
STRONGEST
basis circumstance ground incident purpose
STRONG
antecedent call determinant excuse foundation grounds inducement influence justification motivation motive necessity obligation prompting provocation right warrant
Antonyms
STRONG
discouragement hindrance prevention
NOUN
event, happening
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affair celebration circumstance episode experience incident milestone moment scene thing time
STRONG
go happening instant milepost occurrence while
WEAK
goings-on
VERB
make happen, bring about
Synonyms
STRONG
breed cause create do effect elicit engender evoke generate hatch induce influence inspire move muster originate persuade produce prompt provoke
WEAK
give rise to lead to work up
Antonyms
STRONG
destroy discourage dissuade end fail finish halt hinder neglect prevent repress result ruin stop suppress

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The drippings, on that first night, don’t go to waste: they’re coaxed into something worthy of the occasion, slicked over potatoes or spooned onto rice, greener and more herb-laced than you might expect.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

Unofficially, however, they have offered diplomatic and, on occasion, military support to the UK.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Agranoff said the ability for such moments to spread via social media helped make the dinner an “it” occasion and fueled the fire for more ancillary events.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

Police and army vehicles are parked outside and on occasion personnel can be seen from a private military firm which AFP was unable to identify.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

I’m not sure what I expected to feel when we walked up to that massive building, but I thought my heart would match the occasion.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller

Vocabulary lists containing occasion

English Words Derived from French, List 1

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Introducing Rhetoric: Using the "Available Means" (Chapter 1)

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Beowulf vocabulary

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!