coincidence

[ koh-in-si-duhns ]

noun

1. a striking occurrence of two or more events at one time apparently by mere chance:

   Our meeting in Venice was pure coincidence.

   Synonyms: fate, luck, accident

2. the condition or fact of coinciding.
3. an instance of this.

coincidence

/ kəʊˈɪnsɪdəns /

noun

1. a chance occurrence of events remarkable either for being simultaneous or for apparently being connected
2. the fact, condition, or state of coinciding
3. modifier electronics of or relating to a circuit that produces an output pulse only when both its input terminals receive pulses within a specified interval Compare anticoincidence

   coincidence gate

Other Words From

• nonco·inci·dence noun
• preco·inci·dence noun
• super·co·inci·dence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of coincidence¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; coincid(ent) + -ence

Example Sentences

While it may seem like an odd coincidence for spacetime to follow an analogous engineering blueprint as the human body, Monjo argues this is perfectly logical.

From Salon

But those are the margins at the highest level, and there is no coincidence the best sides in the world manage to get over the line in similar circumstances.

From BBC

"It was just a strange coincidence to find the note while working on the equipment described on the note," Ross said.

From BBC

But because “Heretic” is a genre movie, there are overwrought visual metaphors, implausible twists and an unfortunate reliance on coincidence.

From Los Angeles Times

It is no coincidence that Donald Trump wants to “Take America Back.”

From Salon

Related Words

• accident
• fate
• fluke
• happening