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

The show, which HBO Max put into development last year, will produce 15 episodes for its first season, similar to the model followed by HBO Max’s Emmy-winning medical drama The Pitt. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

The History of Concrete, which premiered at Sundance earlier this year, plays like an extended episode of the show. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

In a podcast episode in February, Saphier reflected on the role of surgeon general after a prior nominee – author, Stanford medical graduate and wellness influencer Casey Means – faced her Senate confirmation hearing. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026

Getting to direct episodes of their own also proved to be a great learning experience for the cast. — Matt Minton, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026