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

When Dobbins was first injured, a source close to him said the best-case scenario for his return was if the Broncos made the Super Bowl. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Jan. 2026

The system focuses on physical interception rather than electronic warfare, addressing scenarios where jamming proves ineffective or risky. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026

The scenarios would help planners identify vulnerabilities that could affect the wildlife and habitats the projects are meant to preserve. —Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026

Robbins said having that mental image ready gives the brain something else to focus on when fear starts to rise, rather than spiraling into worst-case scenarios. —Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026

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