to happen; take place; come to pass

When did the accident occur?

to be met with or found; present itself; appear.

to suggest itself in thought; come to mind (usually fol. by to )

An idea occurred to me.

verb

action , appear , arise , befall , be found , be present , betide , chance , come about , come off * , come to pass , cook * , crop up , develop , ensue , eventualize , eventuate , exist , follow , go , jell * , manifest , materialize , obtain , present itself , result , shake * , show , smoke * , take place , transpire , turn out , turn upnotes:use take place for scheduled events; use occur when something is accidental , come to one , cross one’s mind , dawn on * , expose , flash * , go through one’s head , hit , offer itself , reveal , spring to mind , strike , suggest itselfnotes:use take place for scheduled events; use occur when something is accidental , come off , hap , happen , pass , fall , arrive , come