Synonym Chooser

How is the word episode distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of episode are circumstance, event, incident, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When might circumstance be a better fit than episode?

The words circumstance and episode can be used in similar contexts, but circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When can event be used instead of episode?

The meanings of event and episode largely overlap; however, event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When could incident be used to replace episode?

The words incident and episode are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

Where would occurrence be a reasonable alternative to episode?

While in some cases nearly identical to episode, occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of episode Each season will consist of 15 episodes; combined, that’ll bring the show’s total to a whopping 846 episodes by the end of the 2028-29 season. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 29 Sep. 2025 The initial batch of shows will have 10 episodes, with another 10 set to be released early next year. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025 Kelly Clarkson is showing her strength amid a deeply challenging time for her family, returning to host The Kelly Clarkson Show for its first episode since the death of Brandon Blackstock. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2025 In honor of this month of Hispanic recognition, three new episodes of the series are set to launch on September 29. Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for episode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for episode
Noun
  • This event will be the first of three supermoons in 2025, with others in November and December.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Top 10 events in Cincinnati this weekend – Lions and pumpkins and beers (oh my).
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Everyone was safe after the incident, according to a statement released by the organizers.
    Rajeev Tyagi, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • What To Know Schleswig-Holstein's interior minster, Sabine Sütterlin-Waack, confirmed that drones were seen flying above the coastal state just south of Denmark overnight into Friday, September 26, and that the incident is under investigation for potential sabotage or espionage.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As for traffic flow and cost-effectiveness, a couple of things are worth considering.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Shannon tries to ram the trainers with elbows because, yeah, Shannon does those kinds of things.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • An investigation is underway into the incident, and investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fight, according to the sheriff’s office.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025
  • But however, there are many safety micro switches in the entire unit that would stop the escalator in certain circumstances, and that's how they are designed.
    Majd Al-Waheidi, NPR, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Episode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/episode. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on episode

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