coincidence

noun

co·​in·​ci·​dence kō-ˈin(t)-sə-dən(t)s How to pronounce coincidence (audio)
-sə-ˌden(t)s
1
: the act or condition of coinciding : correspondence
… a perfect coincidence between truth and goodness …Robert South
2
: the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection
… causal connection requires something more than mere coincidence as to time and place …Wayne R. LaFave
also : any of these occurrences

Examples of coincidence in a Sentence

It was mere coincidence that brought them together so far from Chicago. By coincidence, every man in the room was named Fred. “I'm going to Boston this weekend.” “What a coincidence! I am too.” It was no coincidence that he quit his job at the bank a day after the robbery. a series of strange coincidences By a fortunate coincidence, we arrived at the theater at the same time. Scientists have no explanation for the coincidence of these phenomena.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The announcement’s timing was no coincidence amid National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 9 Apr. 2025 There is, however, a coincidence that unites both films: Matt, the storm chaser featured in Miller’s documentary, lent his iconic storm chasing vehicle to Chung’s production. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025 Walmart Locations by State Includes supercenters, neighborhood markets, discount stores and more Source: Walmart.com A Flourish map Still, some experts say Walmart's ability to mostly avoid the fallout from various boycotts is shaped more by context than coincidence. Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 This declaration is based on two coincidences dating back to the 1960s. Joe Rao, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coincidence

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin coincidentia, derivative of coincident-, coincidens, present participle of coincidere "to agree in nature, coincide"

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coincidence was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coincidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coincidence. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

coincidence

noun
co·​in·​ci·​dence kō-ˈin(t)-səd-ən(t)s How to pronounce coincidence (audio)
1
: the act or condition of coinciding
2
a
: two things that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection
b
: either one of these happenings

More from Merriam-Webster on coincidence

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