in·ci·dent
ˈin(t)-sə-dənt 
-ˌdent
1
a
: an occurrence of an action or situation that is a separate unit of experience : happening
b
: an accompanying minor occurrence or condition : concomitant
2
: an action likely to lead to grave consequences especially in diplomatic matters
a serious border incident
3
: something dependent on or subordinate to something else of greater or principal importance
1
: occurring or likely to occur especially as a minor consequence or accompaniment
the confusion incident to moving day
2
: dependent on or relating to another thing in law
3
: falling or striking on something
incident light rays
Synonyms
Examples of incident in a Sentence
Noun
We just want to put that embarrassing incident behind us.
Two people were shot yesterday in two separate incidents.
Aside from a few isolated incidents, the crowd was well-behaved.
Many such incidents go unreported.
The bombing caused an international incident.
Recent Examples on the Web
Abigail Celaya, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024
The driver survived and is recovering at home, but the incident heightens concern about the safety of Metro’s bus drivers and passengers.
—Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incident 
Noun
While the reports capture crime on campus, critics say there is a lack of reporting for off-campus incidents and that the reports fail to adequately show how safe a campus really is.
—Abigail Celaya, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2024
The driver survived and is recovering at home, but the incident heightens concern about the safety of Metro’s bus drivers and passengers.
—Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incident
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incident.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Incident.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incident. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
incident
1 of 2 noun
in·ci·dent
ˈin(t)-səd-ənt
-sə-ˌdent
: an often unimportant happening that may form part of a larger event
incident
2 of 2 adjective2
: falling or striking on something
incident light rays
Medical Definition
incident
adjective
in·ci·dent
ˈin(t)-səd-ənt, -sə-ˌdent
: falling or striking on something
incident light rays
incident radiation
Legal Definition
incident
1 of 2 noun
in·ci·dent
ˈin-sə-dənt, -ˌdənt
1
: a distinct occurrence or event
an incident of sexual harassment
2
: a subordinate, dependent, or consequential element
the search was a legitimate incident to the arrest
child support and other incidents of divorce
incident
2 of 2 adjective
: having a subordinate or dependent relation to something specified
a search incident to arrest
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