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 The series started its action intensity high, with explosions, fist fights, hit-and-run accidents, and department moles in the first episode, but didn’t have anywhere to go from there. Kayti Burt, Time, 21 July 2025 Brett Goldstein's Roy Kent and Brendan Hunt's Coach Beard aren't pictured in the image, but both characters are also returning for the new episodes, Apple has confirmed. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 21 July 2025 Listen to the episode: Listen to Valley 101 on your favorite podcast app or stream the full episode below. Abby Bessinger, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025 In the third episode of Netflix’s The Hunting Wives, Sophie (Brittany Snow) posits a theory as to why her glamorous new best friend, Margo (Malin Akerman), might be sleeping with an inappropriately younger man. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for episode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for episode
Noun
  • At the end of the day, Brown and the event participants and attendees agreed the summit was a success.
    Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 21 July 2025
  • Some major roads in Chicago were suddenly under water when a 1,000-year rainfall event struck in early July.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • In each of these incidents, settlers struck in broad daylight.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 15 July 2025
  • Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact Trumbull police at 203-261-3665.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • The popularity of body mists comes down to three main things: affordability, versatility, and nostalgia.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 15 July 2025
  • Then, on June 12, she was awakened in the middle of the night and told to gather her things.
    Juwayriah Wright, Time, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Oster said the sentence justified the circumstances of the killing as well as the evidence presented during the trial.
    Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
  • Treatment for multiple myeloma is individualized based on disease severity and other factors that include age, general health, potential risks, and personal circumstances.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Episode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/episode. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on episode

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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