accident
3 antonyms and opposites of accident, grouped by meaning.
Noun — An unplanned event, often unfortunate, that happens without anyone intending it.
Antonyms
How to use accident
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin accidens, "happening," from accidere, "to fall upon" or "to occur," built from ad- ("to") plus cadere ("to fall").
Full origin of accident →Frequently asked questions
What does “accident” mean?
The word “accident” means an unplanned event, often unfortunate, that happens without anyone intending it. In plain terms, something that happens unintentionally, or specifically a vehicle crash.
How do you pronounce “accident”?
“Accident” is pronounced AK-sih-duhnt (/ˈæk.sə.dənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “accident” in a sentence?
Here is “accident” used in a sentence: “It was an accident — I didn't mean to break the vase.”
What is another word for “accident”?
Words with a similar meaning to “accident” include mishap, befalling, chance, contingency, casualty and luck.
What is the opposite of “accident”?
The opposite of “accident” — its antonyms — are intention, inevitability and impossibility.
What part of speech is “accident”?
“Accident” is a noun.
Where does the word “accident” come from?
The word “accident” comes from Latin. From Latin accidens, "happening," from accidere, "to fall upon" or "to occur," built from ad- ("to") plus cadere ("to fall").
Is “accident” a common word?
“Accident” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between an accident and an incident?
An incident is any event or occurrence, planned or not, and it need not be harmful. An accident is specifically unplanned and unintended, and it usually causes harm or damage. Every accident is an incident, but most incidents are not accidents — the key difference is intention and an unwanted outcome.
Can accidents be prevented?
Many accidents can be prevented, since they often stem from carelessness, poor conditions, or human error rather than pure bad luck. Safety measures, training, and caution all reduce the risk. However, because an accident by definition happens without intent, some remain genuinely unforeseeable and cannot be avoided entirely.
What is an example of an accident?
Everyday examples include tripping on a loose step, spilling a drink, or a car collision at a junction. In each case the outcome was unwanted and nobody meant for it to happen. The word covers both minor mishaps and serious events, from a dropped plate to an industrial disaster.
What is the opposite of an accident?
The opposite is something done on purpose — a deliberate, intentional, or planned act. When an outcome is intended, we no longer call it an accident. This is why the phrase 'by accident' contrasts directly with 'on purpose', marking the difference between chance and conscious intention.