event

noun

i-ˈvent How to pronounce event (audio)
Definition of eventnext
1
as in incident
something that happens dinnertime was devoted to talking over the day's events, not to watching television

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in possibility
something that might happen in the event of rain, graduation ceremonies will be held indoors

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in tournament
a competitive encounter between individuals or groups carried on for amusement, exercise, or in pursuit of a prize figure skating is usually one of the most popular events in the winter Olympics

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in party
a social gathering the mayor's evenings are often tied up with one event after another

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word event distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of event are circumstance, episode, incident, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When can circumstance be used instead of event?

The words circumstance and event are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When would episode be a good substitute for event?

In some situations, the words episode and event are roughly equivalent. However, episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When is incident a more appropriate choice than event?

While in some cases nearly identical to event, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

When might occurrence be a better fit than event?

Although the words occurrence and event have much in common, occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

Example 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 event Yes Yes label, with DJ Minx headlining the event and the party going until 5 a.m. on Friday morning. — Katie Bain, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025 The woman behind the 911 call that set off the tragic chain of events leading to Young Scooter’s death on his 39th birthday is now speaking out — contradicting her own initial account of the incident. — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The climate crisis played a role in all of these extreme events, according to scientific analyses. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025 Starting in 1995, the military games is one of the largest multi-sporting events, second to the Olympic Games. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for event
Recent Examples of Synonyms for event
  1. incident
  2. possibility
  3. tournament
  4. party
  5. thing
  6. case
  7. competition
  8. circumstance
Noun
  • Morgan Wallen sentenced: The country star pleaded guilty in Nashville chair-throwing incident After only giving Madison a hug, the singer walked into the audience and past the camera, while the rest of the cast remained on stage for another 90 seconds.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Bickerstaff, who is in his first year coaching Detroit, added the team is ‘frustrated after the incident and the loss.
    — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of incident
Noun
  • Even if this bird flu doesn’t eventually become the p-word, other pandemic possibilities will likely emerge in the coming years.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The Gilded Age actress was coy, however, when asked about the possibility of a third installment.
    — Toria Sheffield, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of possibility
Noun
  • The projections will be updated after the completion of every tournament game.
    — Austin Mock, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The team then had to fly to Spokane, Washington, for the next round of the tournament.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of tournament
Noun
  • The outlet reported that Sanchez had two engagement parties – one in Beverly Hills and another in Positano, Italy.
    — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In the Kirk podcast interview, Newsom broke with many in his party on the issue of transgender women in sports.
    — David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of party
Noun
  • Few things can complicate the otherwise straightforward matter of death quite like family and the possibility of inheritance.
    — Ashley Case, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Jake Paul has nothing but good things to say about his Disney days.
    — Nicholas Rice, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • In many cases, these startups rely on partnerships with banks or insurers behind the scenes, effectively becoming a slick user interface on top of more traditional financial institutions.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The Cavs’ big man had a great case to battle Wembanyama for the honor before Wembanyama’s season ended.
    — Zach Harper, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of case
Noun
  • Start before your competition Start looking before your competition heats up.
    — Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The commission has sought to bolster E.U. e-commerce sales competition while targeting companies selling unsafe and counterfeit products.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of competition
Noun
  • His lawyers noted there are many circumstances which might make a person ineligible for bond, such as coming in at a port of entry and having a visa questioned.
    — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
  • However, nuance matters in punctuation, and Albritton has found an important caveat: In certain circumstances, periods are used to convey earnestness or seriousness.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of circumstance

Phrases Containing event

Browse Nearby Words

evensongs
event
eventful
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Cite this Entry

“Event.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/event. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on event

Nglish: Translation of event for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about event

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