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Definitions

occur

[uh-kur] / əˈkɜr /
VERB
take place, happen
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appear arise crop up develop ensue exist follow go materialize result show take place transpire
STRONG
action befall betide chance cook eventuate jell manifest obtain shake smoke
WEAK
be found be present come about come off come to pass eventualize present itself turn out turn up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
hide precede stop
VERB
come to mind
Synonyms
STRONGEST
hit reveal strike
STRONG
expose flash
WEAK
come to one cross one's mind dawn on go through one's head offer itself present itself spring to mind suggest itself
Antonyms
STRONGEST
lose

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.

McCawley added that the dismissal of the harassment claims was based on the court’s determination that Lively was an independent contractor rather than an employee, not a finding that the alleged conduct did not occur.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Delayed discharges, which occur when a patient is clinically ready to leave a hospital but is forced to remain in a bed because necessary social care, support, or housing is unavailable, are incomparable.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

We will take new signals as they occur, but with some caution.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

These bursts typically occur when a massive star collapses into a black hole, producing a brief and intense flash of high-energy gamma rays.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

And then I think of something else that didn’t occur to me on my birthday.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.