scenario

noun

sce·​nar·​io sə-ˈner-ē-ˌō How to pronounce scenario (audio)
US also and especially British -ˈnär-
plural scenarios
Synonyms of scenario
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
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

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
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.
The scenario might be to treat 23rd, 34th, 42nd, 59th, 125th, and maybe the streets leading to the transverse drives across the park this way, giving them over to buses and bikes with some street-dining structures and greenery to boot. Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 4 June 2026 In the second scenario, Viatris leverages its vast experience in late-stage development and commercialization to see a drug through Food and Drug Administration approval and a quick sales ramp. Justin Zacks, CNBC, 4 June 2026 In a third and final scenario — the one designed to test insight — the team moved the flower from the floor to the ceiling, just above one of four pits shaped to accommodate the ball. Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 4 June 2026 In an ideal scenario, the object says something about the guest. Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for scenario

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of scenario was in 1768

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scenario.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scenario. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

scenario

noun
sce·​nar·​io sə-ˈnar-ē-ˌō How to pronounce scenario (audio)
-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

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