Synonyms of event

event

noun

i-ˈvent 

1

as in incident

something that happens

dinnertime was devoted to talking over the day's events, not to watching television

Synonyms & Similar Words

• incident
• thing
• circumstance
• occurrence
• episode
• happening
• occasion
• affair
• accident
• time
• experience
• phenomenon
• coincidence
• adventure
• page
• emergency
• landmark
• hap
• milestone
• fluke
• crisis
• news
• turning point
• freak
• achievement
• happenstance
• deed
• juncture
• co-occurrence
• feat
• milepost
• happenchance
• tidings
• exploit

2

as in possibility

something that might happen

in the event of rain, graduation ceremonies will be held indoors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• possibility
• case
• contingency
• contingent
• contingence
• eventuality
• probability
• accident
• risk
• hazard
• chance
• hap

3

as in tournament

a competitive encounter between individuals or groups carried on for amusement, exercise, or in pursuit of a prize

figure skating is usually one of the most popular events in the winter Olympics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tournament
• competition
• game
• match
• contest
• championship
• tourney
• sport
• bout
• meet
• matchup
• sweepstakes
• race
• battle
• athletics
• skirmish
• outing
• semifinal
• final
• derby
• marathon
• conflict
• tug-of-war
• tussle
• struggle
• scrimmage
• triathlon
• open
• gymkhana
• rally
• play-off
• round
• pentathlon
• runoff
• field day
• decathlon
• biathlon
• ultramarathon
• heat
• heptathlon
• national(s)
• sudden death
• volley
• round-robin
• rubber
• set
• nightcap
• dead heat
• run
• classic
• photo finish
• seesaw

4

as in party

a social gathering

the mayor's evenings are often tied up with one event after another

Synonyms & Similar Words

• party
• celebration
• reception
• bash
• gala
• shindig
• fete
• function
• blowout
• affair
• dance
• blast
• get-together
• occasion
• ball
• binge
• benefit
• fund-raiser
• formal
• do
• symposium
• prom
• supper
• soiree
• orgy
• masquerade
• social
• tea
• tea party
• house party
• bacchanal
• cocktail party
• stag
• bacchanalia
• clambake
• shower
• housewarming
• mixer
• hen party
• saturnalia
• salon
• bake
• icebreaker
• meet and greet
• kegger
• klatch
• kaffeeklatsch

Synonym Chooser

How is the word event distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of event are circumstance, episode, incident, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When can circumstance be used instead of event?

The words circumstance and event are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When would episode be a good substitute for event?

In some situations, the words episode and event are roughly equivalent. However, episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When is incident a more appropriate choice than event?

While in some cases nearly identical to event, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

When might occurrence be a better fit than event?

Although the words occurrence and event have much in common, occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of event

ProPublica found that Trusty’s ethics disclosure revealed that the tickets to the event were valued at $12,000. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

Artist Vija Celmins and filmmaker Denis Villeneuve will be honored at the 2026 LACMA Art+Film Gala, marking the 15th edition of the annual Los Angeles event. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 15 July 2026

Under its previous brand of MSNBC, the network had held fall live events in New York. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 July 2026

Lawmakers don’t have to report State law only requires recipients of such perks to report when the provider and the event are both outside of North Carolina. — Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026

Phrases Containing event

• in any event