Synonym Chooser

How is the word episode distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of episode are circumstance, event, incident, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When might circumstance be a better fit than episode?

The words circumstance and episode can be used in similar contexts, but circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When can event be used instead of episode?

The meanings of event and episode largely overlap; however, event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When could incident be used to replace episode?

The words incident and episode are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

Where would occurrence be a reasonable alternative to episode?

While in some cases nearly identical to episode, occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of episode On this episode of the Hawgs Sports Network Daily Podcast, Matt Jones and Anthony Kristensen discuss the Razorbacks' Saturday showdown against Florida in snowy Fayetteville. Anthony Kristensen, arkansasonline.com, 10 Jan. 2025 In a pre-taped moment that aired during her final episode of Today with Hoda & Jenna Friday morning, the beloved television personality spoke directly to her fans. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2025 The full schedule appears below; episodes release every Thursday. Jem Aswad, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025 The misshapen cells build up and block blood vessels, cutting off oxygen to parts of the body and causing episodes of excruciating pain. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for episode 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for episode
Noun
  • The funeral, part of a week of events mourning the ex-president ahead of his burial in tiny Plains, Georgia, was packed with pageantry, intrigue, pomp and ceremony, in notable juxtaposition with Carter’s homespun life.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025
  • California More than 9,000 homes, structures damaged or destroyed in Palisades, Eaton fires, officials say 29 minutes ago Fleming offered a riveting play-by-play of the day’s events.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The incident was probably good business for chess, if not exactly for Niemann’s reputation.
    Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2025
  • The alleged incident took place backstage at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on April 21, 2024, after Minaj's concert had ended, the outlets report.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Really, what’s the wildest thing that could happen tonight?
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Since then, he’s been lining up venture-capital money for things such as fantasy chess, and launched a new app for following chess players and tournaments, called Take Take Take.
    Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Initially cared for by her adopter, Lori moved in with her adopter's mother when life circumstances changed.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
  • These circumstances felt at once promising and threatening at a time of bewildering yet liberating technological developments.
    David A. Ross, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near episode

Cite this Entry

“Episode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/episode. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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