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

After graduating from the University of Southern California in 1991, he was cast in Saved by the Bell for a three-episode arc, where his character was infamously the catalyst for Zack and Kelly’s breakup. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2026

The episodes spurred even several prominent conservative commentators to make the same argument Pritzker pushed months ago — that the 79-year-old president is unable to serve. —Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

Two episodes will follow on June 10 followed by the final two on June 17. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026

Raff is serving as showrunner and executive producer and will direct several episodes. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026