Synonyms of episode

episode

noun

ˈe-pə-ˌsōd 

as in event

something that happens

I'm trying to forget the whole embarrassing episode

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

Recent Examples of episode

At eight seasons and 101 episodes (the final installment will run for 10 episodes) by the time of the series finale, Outlander is the longest-running original series in Starz history. —Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025

The episode also outlines the process by which someone could become part of a reseller network, like that highlighted in the police operation in West Yorkshire. —Adam Leventhal, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025

All four episodes of Death of Lightning are now streaming on Netflix. —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Nov. 2025

Recent episodes have also spoofed Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Attorney General Pam Bondi, FCC chair Brendan Carr and more. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025