“Unlikely coincidence” refers to a situation where two or more events happen to occur together in a way that seems improbable. Here are some synonyms and their analyses:
1. Rare Confluence
- Meaning: “Confluence” means the coming together of two or more things. A “rare confluence” implies that the combination of events or circumstances is not common. For example, “The rare confluence of a solar eclipse and a meteor shower on the same night was a sight to behold.”
- Usage difference: This phrase emphasizes the infrequency of the combination of events. It has a more neutral tone than “unlikely coincidence” and focuses on the rarity of the occurrence. In contrast to “unlikely coincidence,” which might carry a sense of suspicion or the unexpected, “rare confluence” simply highlights the fact that the meeting of these elements is not an everyday affair.
2. Improbable Alignment
- Meaning: “Alignment” refers to the arrangement of things in a straight line or in proper relation to each other. An “improbable alignment” suggests that the way things have come together is not likely to happen. For example, “The improbable alignment of the planets, as predicted by the astrologer, was met with skepticism.”
- Usage difference: This term emphasizes the unlikelihood of the arrangement of events or objects. It is often used in contexts where there is a pattern or order that seems too far - fetched to occur naturally. In comparison to “unlikely coincidence,” “improbable alignment” can imply a more deliberate or patterned arrangement that just doesn't seem possible.
3. Long - shot Co - occurrence
- Meaning: A “long - shot” refers to something that has a very low probability of happening. A “long - shot co - occurrence” means that two or more things happening together have a slim chance of taking place. For example, “The long - shot co - occurrence of winning the lottery and being struck by lightning on the same day is almost unimaginable.”
- Usage difference: This phrase emphasizes the low probability of the events happening simultaneously. It has a more casual and perhaps more relatable tone than “unlikely coincidence.” It's often used in a context where the improbability is so extreme that it's almost laughable.
4. Unforeseen Conjuncture
- Meaning: A “conjuncture” is a combination of circumstances. An “unforeseen conjuncture” implies that the combination of events was not anticipated. For example, “The unforeseen conjuncture of a sudden power outage and a crucial online meeting led to chaos.”
- Usage difference: This phrase focuses on the unexpected nature of the combination of events. It is more about the lack of prediction and the element of surprise. In comparison to “unlikely coincidence,” it puts more emphasis on the fact that the combination was not foreseen rather than the unlikelihood of it happening.