coincidence

noun

co·​in·​ci·​dence kō-ˈin(t)-sə-dən(t)s 

-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

Synonyms

• coexistence
• concurrence
• concurrency

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

While there’s the coincidence that his exit follows Amazon MGM Studios’ full creative control of Bond from Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, the two instances are not connected. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025

Both Tai and Van have been through too much to think this is mere coincidence. —Esther Zuckerman, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025

In a further coincidence, the deal was announced a week before FIFA confirmed that Saudi Arabia, the only bidder, would indeed be hosting the 2034 men’s World Cup. —Matt Slater, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025

In a bit of an odd coincidence, Charlotte's first game after the All-Star break is on Wednesday at the Los Angeles Lakers. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for coincidence

• incidence

Kids Definition

coincidence

noun

co·​in·​ci·​dence kō-ˈin(t)-səd-ən(t)s 

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