Definition of episodenext

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

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 episode Disney+ premieres the show during the Annecy festival on June 26, with 22 half-hour episodes, along with a new short-form, four-episode spin-off series. Kevin Giraud, Variety, 22 June 2026 Sarnoski and Comer will soon be reuniting for the pilot episode of The Chain, HBO’s limited series adaptation of Adrian McKinty’s New York Times bestseller. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 In the last few minutes of the episode, Elliot has the revelation that his mom may still be alive. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026 The first two episodes dropped last week, with new episodes landing on Thursday evenings (a nice replacement slot for Your Friends & Neighbors). Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for episode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for episode
Noun
  • The best Prime Day clothing deals tend to change day by day, so check back in over the course of the event to shop all the newest and most exciting markdowns.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 23 June 2026
  • Boggi Milano, which will also be the official licensee of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, is a fitting partner to the global sporting event.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Hinkley was killed, and Fox survived with serious injuries in the incident, according to a report from the California Highway Patrol.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • Extreme heat claimed the lives of three hikers in two incidents last week in the Grand Canyon.
    Valerie Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • But an Iran agreement that allows those barrels to come back into stockpiles, and actually refilling the inventories, are two separate things.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • Kylee explained that Aven eventually ended things again, citing the damage done to their relationship.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • If circumstances had gone Spain’s way with more clinical finishing or a Cape Verde defender making a mistake, then the result would have been different and a lot of the chatter currently happening (including here) would likely not be happening.
    Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • In an update on the fundraising page, Vlad said that the family is currently attempting to get answers from local Albanian authorities related to the circumstances surrounding the accident.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Episode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/episode. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on episode

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster