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

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

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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 Elliot Rukwan Butler, 31, died at the scene from a gunshot wound, police said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026 The Michigan Wolverines were beaten – and some would say literally – by Western Michigan on Saturday before one of the more unbelievable scenes in the sport's history unfolded. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026 Two were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, while the third was treated at the scene for minor injuries, Smith said. — Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2026 How fitting that it’s shown here that the last scene shot was Dunst in the bathtub, sultrily suggesting that the starving peasantry should eat cake. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 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
  • The setting would come in Week 1, after no preseason for their starters, rather than packed in the middle of the schedule and right before a bye week as the London game was.
    — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Canine Companions trains facility dogs to work alongside professionals in settings including schools, hospitals and other environments serving vulnerable populations.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of setting
Noun
  • One resident, Iryna Barisenkova, recalled hearing loud explosions while traveling on public transport.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Captain Dixon says thankfully things were much calmer on Monday compared to Sunday, when there were constant Mayday calls from a man overboard to a sinking vessel — even an explosion at a dock nearby as a boat was refueling.
    — Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • Tagliabue, who died in November, had a strong working relationship with NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw, whose constituency strongly favored pausing the action to assess the situation.
    — Michael Silver, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The situation flipped with the Pentagon’s next round of launch procurement in 2025, when SpaceX won the lion’s share.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of situation
Noun
  • Lawrence looks and sounds rejuvenated with his scenery change in Cincinnati.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Heavy curtain up; the moaning of sentimental strings; lights rising on some wedges and rectangles of scenery, guys and girls, the guys practically naked save for bits and pieces of neo-Greek get-up.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of scenery
Noun
  • Lyft also doesn’t fingerprint its drivers unless required by law and doesn’t provide adequate background checks, the lawsuit alleged.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The background of the film is the budget slashes that are happening in this sector all over the Western world, as the government withdraws its own form of care.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Sep. 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
  • Dunn shared a story about a bat crashing into his leg while entering an arena for a bass tournament weigh-in.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Success inside the ring is only one part of the Taylor story, though.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • The place had inscrutable stoner-eclectic décor, with pictures of Salvador Dalí on serving-tray papers and a Rastafarian lion statuette on the counter.
    — Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The craft show attracted more than 300 artisans displaying handmade items, artwork, home décor, clothing, jewelry and gifts throughout downtown Frankfort, including paintings, yard art, wood carvings, suncatchers, candles and caramel apples.
    — Jim Dudlicek, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 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 13 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scene

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scene

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