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

• 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

The Ultimate Risk: Chrome As A Weapon Against Google The most terrifying scenario? —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

When an egg hatches, and its spider-like offering slips out and onto someone’s face, the rest of the scenario kind of writes itself. —Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2025

Even in a best-case scenario, however, families likely will collect very little of the money they are owed. —Tovia Smith, NPR, 13 Aug. 2025

In that scenario, the seller has much wider discretion about whom to sell to and for what price. —Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 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