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

Her ideal scenario is some sort of Pilates or strength trainings before meetings; or at least a long walk with little ankle weights and a weighted vest. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2026

The team will also examine real-world load scenarios, including complex multiaxial stresses. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026

Iranian officials have previously threatened to close the strait in the face of tensions with the West, a scenario that could cause upheaval in the global energy market. —Farida Elsebai, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026

Here are the sober facts, along with the best alternative scenarios that could avoid this seemingly inevitable fate. —Big Think, 20 Feb. 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