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

: screenplay

b

: shooting script

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

Synonyms of scenario

• script
• screenplay

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 her first adult mystery-thriller, YA darling Holly Jackson assembles a scenario in which a desperate heroine must solve her own murder. —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025

In 1948, Vogue published its 658-page Book of Etiquette, compiled by editor Millicent Fenwick, featuring how-tos, dos and don’ts, and the proper politesse for a remarkably varied set of scenarios. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2025

In this scenario, Mougey keeps his powder dry and selects the best player available. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Dec. 2025

The Bank of England announced on Thursday the launch of a new system-wide exploratory scenario focused on private markets, amid ongoing concerns surrounding hidden risks , particularly in private credit. —Hugh Leask, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin scaenarium place for erecting stages, from scaena stage

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids 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

: screenplay

3

: a sequence of events especially when imagined