WordWeb Online

1. (of an event) come to pass (in time, so that it is real and actual at some time)
   "Nothing occurred that seemed important";
   - happen, hap [archaic], go on, pass off, pass, fall out, come about, take place
    
2. Come to one's mind; suggest itself
   "It occurred to me that we should hire another secretary";
   - come
    
3. To be found to exist
   "sexism occurs in many workplaces"; "precious stones occur in a large area in Brazil"

Derived forms: occurred, occurs, occurring

Type of: appear, become, come along