scene

noun

ˈsēn How to pronounce scene (audio)
Definition of scenenext
1
as in setting
the place and time in which the action for a portion of a dramatic work (as a movie) is set the first scene was the kitchen of a fancy restaurant during dinner

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2
as in explosion
an outburst or display of excited anger please don't make a scene while we're at the restaurant

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in situation
position with regard to conditions and circumstances one of the leading figures in the current political scene

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in scenery
the array of painted backgrounds and furnishings used to establish the setting in a stage production helped build and paint scenes for the school play

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 scene Valerie Vargas founded the pioneering group in 2002, back when San Antonio’s all-female mariachi scene was still small. — Zoey Goto, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026 The driver fled, and the man was struck a second time by another vehicle whose driver also left the scene, Harper said. — Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Marion is not in any imminent danger—not yet—but her paranoia and the claustrophobic camerawork imbue these driving scenes with an anticipatory terror. — Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026 This scene raises questions about violence, punishment, and provocation as means to uphold dharma. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scene
  1. setting
  2. explosion
  3. situation
  4. scenery
  5. background
  6. huff
  7. story
  8. decor
Noun
  • Before connecting an account, check the agent’s privacy settings and data-retention policies.
    — Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Anthropic notes that four of its models have hacked into other third-party systems, including one gaining administrator access, changing system settings and reading an individual’s private information.
    — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of setting
Noun
  • Using the Gemini North telescope, Caiazzo and colleagues zoomed in on Pa 30, discovering knots along the strands of gas radiating out from the site of the cosmic explosion, like pearls on a string.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The explosion was set off in front of the local branch of Colombia's tax collection agency near the Francisco de Paula de Santander International bridge.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • That count includes troops who died in medical events and other situations that do not have a direct connection to the conflict, with 18 service members having been killed from Iranian strikes, combat aircraft crashes or disposal of Iranian drones.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Gottschalck said the drought situations are expected to persist this winter across the Midwest.
    — Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of situation
Noun
  • For many, a place remembered for its scenery also serves as a backdrop for personal moments of grief, reflection or healing, the survey said.
    — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Rumors began swirling about a change of scenery for Pooh after The Washington Post reported last week about a push to bring the teddy bear back home as the famed character turns 100 this year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of scenery
Noun
  • Critics say the revisions discriminate against people based on their family background or gender and put pressure on younger members of the royal family to produce male offspring.
    — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Milan’s welfare councilor, Lamberto Bertolé, told the AP that more investigation is needed to understand the backgrounds and motives of the young people who joined the looting.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of background
Noun
  • Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Not everyone feels the same way, however, and some progressive parents and staff are in a huff.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2026
Definition of huff
Noun
  • Her campaign denies any involvement in the apparent Sullivan scheme, but the New York Times story and prior reporting could be used to call into question her fitness to serve.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The open arms welcoming of Algeria by its base camp in Lawrence became one of the World Cup’s feel-good stories.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • The decor nods to her career without losing sight of the hotel’s purpose as a place to unwind after a day exploring Music City.
    — Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The French cafe gained quite the cult following with trendy storefronts that look like a rustic French country kitchen studded with blue toile dishes and decor.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of decor

Phrases Containing scene

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scenarists
scene
sceneries
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Cite this Entry

“Scene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scene. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scene

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scene

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