scenario
noun
sce·nar·io
sə-ˈner-ē-ˌō 
US also and especially British -ˈnär-
plural scenarios
1
a
: an outline or synopsis of a play
especially
: a plot outline used by actors of the commedia dell'arte
b
: the libretto of an opera
2
a
b
3
: a sequence of events especially when imagined
especially
: an account or synopsis of a possible course of action or events
his scenario for a settlement envisages … reunification —
Selig Harrison
Selig Harrison Examples of scenario in a Sentence
A possible scenario would be that we move to the city.
The most likely scenario is that he goes back to school in the fall.
The best-case scenario would be for us to finish the work by tomorrow.
In the worst-case scenario, we would have to start the project all over again.
Recent Examples on the Web
In this scenario, Madrid would be able to invite investors to buy stakes in their business side (such as TV rights or stadium revenues), while ownership of the club would legally remain in the hands of the socios through its charitable foundation.
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Every one of the kids in that scenario has a totally different take on it.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
Its geometry can be tailored for specific scenarios, and in one demonstration, the humanoid gymnast robot used its flexible limbs to swing along a ceiling for locomotion.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Even in the best-case scenario — artificial intelligence transforms the economy, making Americans richer and more productive — AI will involve lots of disruption.
—Allison Schrager, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scenario
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.
Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Every one of the kids in that scenario has a totally different take on it.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
Its geometry can be tailored for specific scenarios, and in one demonstration, the humanoid gymnast robot used its flexible limbs to swing along a ceiling for locomotion.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Even in the best-case scenario — artificial intelligence transforms the economy, making Americans richer and more productive — AI will involve lots of disruption.
—Allison Schrager, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scenario
Cite this Entry
“Scenario.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scenario. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scenario
noun
sce·nar·io
sə-ˈnar-ē-ˌō
-ˈner-,
-ˈnär-
plural scenarios
1
a
: an outline of a play
b
: the text of an opera
2
3
: a sequence of events especially when imagined
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share